📅 2026 Update: Changes in Florida Gun Laws

Since the original article on Florida gun laws was published, several significant changes have occurred in the landscape of gun regulations across the U.S. These adjustments may impact how residents navigate buying and owning firearms. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information on Florida's laws.

🔄 Recent Changes in States

Many states have modified their gun laws recently. For instance, Michigan now requires a firearms purchase license or a concealed handgun license for buyers. This change began in early 2024 and includes a mandatory background check conducted by a licensed dealer.

  • 🔍 Alabama: In 2022, Alabama allowed "permitless carry." This means people can carry concealed handguns in public without needing a permit or background check.
  • 🔗 Kentucky: Kentucky repealed its requirement for a license and background check for carrying concealed firearms in public back in 2019.
  • 🚫 Ohio: Similarly, Ohio repealed its permit requirement for individuals 21 years and older who wish to carry concealed handguns in public in 2022.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

Fees for concealed carry licenses vary across states. In Michigan, the cost of a firearms purchase or concealed handgun license depends on the county.

  • 📜 Alabama: The fee for a concealed handgun license is set by the county sheriff's office and also varies by county.
  • 🏛️ Kentucky: The Kentucky State Police sets the fee for concealed carry licenses, which varies by county as well.
  • 🏢 Ohio: Like the other states, the fee for a concealed handgun license is determined by the county sheriff's office and varies accordingly.

📝 Forms and Steps

When applying for a firearm license, each state has specific steps. Michigan requires applicants to complete a background check through the Department of State Police.

  • 🔒 Alabama: Applicants apply through the county sheriff's office, which conducts a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • 📋 Kentucky: Applicants must go through the Kentucky State Police for a background check.
  • 🚔 Ohio: The county sheriff's office also handles the application and background check process.

⏳ Processing Times

The time it takes to process background checks varies by state. In Michigan, the Department of State Police conducts the checks.

  • ⏲️ Alabama: The sheriff's office completes the criminal background check through NICS.
  • ⏳ Kentucky: The Kentucky State Police checks the application within their system.
  • 🔍 Ohio: The county sheriff's office performs the necessary checks as well.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 📅 Several states have updated their gun laws, including Michigan, Alabama, Kentucky, and Ohio.
  • 💵 Fees for concealed carry licenses differ by county in each state.
  • 📝 Each state has specific steps and processing times for background checks.
  • 🔒 Permits are no longer required in some states for concealed carry.
  • 📞 Free assistance is available from state police and law enforcement agencies.

💡 Tips for Navigating Gun Laws

Reviewing your unique situation with an attorney is important to ensure you follow the law correctly.

📃 Understand Your State's Requirements

Each state has different requirements for purchasing firearms. Check what documents you need, such as a purchase license or a concealed carry permit, based on where you live.

🔍 Complete Background Checks

Before purchasing a firearm, ensure you have completed any necessary background checks. States like Michigan and Alabama require these checks to happen before a purchase can be finalized.

💵 Check Fees in Your County

Fees for licenses can vary significantly by county. It's essential to find out the specific costs in your area to avoid unexpected expenses when applying.

📜 Stay Updated on Law Changes

Gun laws can change rapidly. Keep an eye on news and updates regarding firearm regulations in your state to stay compliant.

🤝 Utilize Free Resources

Many state agencies provide information and assistance for firearm purchases. Use these resources to clarify any questions you have about the process.

🏆 Gun Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services related to firearms and their user ratings, focusing on how they connect to gun laws and ownership. The order follows Trustpilot data verified in October 2026, and while star ratings are informative, they may not reflect every customer's experience.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.6. This platform serves as an online marketplace for firearms and accessories, facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers. It's known for its wide selection of products related to firearms.

However, reviewers note that customer service response times may be delayed due to increased sales, which can affect user experiences.

🆓 Free Assistance from State Agencies

Each state offers free resources for firearm purchase guidance. For example, the Michigan State Police, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Kentucky State Police, and Ohio Department of Public Safety provide assistance and information regarding firearm purchases and background checks.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Firearm Service

  • 📊 User ratings and reviews
  • 💰 Fees associated with services
  • 🔄 Variety of products offered
  • ⏱️ Processing times for transactions
  • 📞 Availability of customer support

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔍 What is the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Florida?

In Florida, the minimum age to purchase a firearm is 21 years old, in line with federal law.

📜 Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Florida?

Florida does not require a permit to purchase a firearm, but it does require a background check through a licensed dealer.

🔒 How long does a background check take in Florida?

Background checks in Florida typically take just a few minutes if done through a licensed dealer, but it can take longer depending on the circumstances.

🔄 Can I carry a concealed weapon in Florida without a license?

No, Florida requires individuals to have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed weapon in public.

📞 Where can I get more information about firearm laws in Florida?

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides comprehensive information about firearm laws and regulations in the state.

📋 What should I bring when applying for a concealed carry permit?

When applying for a concealed carry permit, you should bring proof of identity, residency, and any required training completion certificates.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Gun Laws

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of gun laws, affecting how they are interpreted and enforced. These decisions can shape the landscape of gun ownership and regulation in Florida and beyond.

You can find additional details on recent rulings by checking more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






FLORIDA GUN LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023

A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF FLORIDA’S GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)



Over the past ten years, Florida's gun laws have undergone notable changes, reflecting the state's continuous efforts to balance Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns. From concealed carry to background checks, these developments have aimed to adapt to evolving perspectives on responsible firearm ownership. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the key advancements in Florida's gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, presented in bullet points:

Florida Gun Laws

2013 - Stand Your Ground Law Review:


   - Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law, which allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat, sparks national debate and review.


2014 - Warning Shot Law Enactment:


   - Legislation is passed to provide immunity to individuals who fire warning shots in self-defense, addressing concerns about the state's strict self-defense laws.


2015 - Mental Health Background Checks:


   - Florida enhances its background checks by increasing the sharing of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).


2016 - Open Carry Regulations:


   - Florida considers proposals to allow open carry of firearms, sparking discussions on the potential impact on public safety and law enforcement.


2017 - "Red Flag" Law Consideration:


   - Florida begins exploring "red flag" laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to request temporary firearm removal for individuals deemed a risk.


2018 - Enhanced Background Checks for Gun Purchases:


   - In response to the Parkland school shooting, Florida raises the minimum age for purchasing firearms to 21 and implements enhanced background checks for all gun sales.


2019 - School Guardians Program:


   - Florida enacts the School Guardians Program, allowing trained school staff to carry firearms on campus as an additional layer of security.


2020 - Preemption of Local Firearm Regulations:


   - Legislation is passed to strengthen state preemption laws, preventing local jurisdictions from enacting firearm regulations that exceed state laws.


2021 - "Stand Your Ground" Law Expansions:


   - Florida introduces measures to expand the scope of its "Stand Your Ground" law, further clarifying self-defense rights in various scenarios.


2022 - Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training:


    - The state considers requiring law enforcement officers to undergo mental health crisis intervention training to handle situations involving individuals in distress.


2022 - Firearm Waiting Period Extension:


    - Florida explores extending the firearm purchase waiting period from three days to seven days, sparking debates on the potential impact on gun buyers.


2023 - "Red Flag" Law Implementation:


    - Florida enacts its "red flag" law, allowing law enforcement and family members to seek temporary firearm removal for individuals showing signs of danger.


2023 - Background Check Expansions:


    - Proposed legislation aims to expand background checks to include private sales, raising discussions about closing potential loopholes.


2023 - Assault Weapon Ban Proposal:


    - Florida considers a ban on assault weapons, leading to intense debates on balancing personal rights and community safety.


Florida's gun laws have witnessed notable changes over the past decade, reflecting the state's ongoing commitment to addressing firearm safety and responsible ownership. From "Stand Your Ground" law reviews to enhanced background checks and discussions on "red flag" laws and assault weapon bans, these amendments demonstrate Florida's responsiveness to changing times. As Florida continues to navigate the complexities of firearm regulation, it remains essential for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that prioritize both individual freedoms and community security.


Florida gun laws do not necessitate the registration of shotguns, rifles, or handguns. Also, there is no required Florida gun permit to purchase firearms. Under Florida gun laws, individuals that classify as eligible to purchase and possess firearms must be no less than 18 years of age. Though it is illegal for a minor to purchase or possess a firearm, the exception is that a minor may do so only with the permission of the parent or legal guardian.


This provision also includes other types of weapons such as air guns or BB guns; the only weapon that may be sold to a minor is an ordinary pocket knife, as stated under Florida gun law. Furthermore, the minor may only be in possession of a weapon only while engaged in sporting, hunting, and recreational activities that are considered as legal, and under the supervision of a parent, legal guardian, or certified or qualified instructor. Otherwise, a minor may only possess a firearm if he/she is at the place of residence, and the firearm is unloaded.


A licensed firearms dealer must also obtain a completed form from the prospective buyer of a firearm and receive approval for the transfer of a firearm by the Department of Law Enforcement, pending a background check of the individual.


It is considered illegal for a licensed firearms dealer to deliver a weapon to a buyer without having completed the aforementioned process. Those that are not subject to the background check include other licensed dealers, law enforcement and military personnel, and individuals that have already obtained a permit to carry concealed weapons. There is a three day waiting period to purchase a handgun from any licensed firearms dealer. The waiting period is waived for those individuals that have concealed weapons permits or are trading in another handgun.


There is no required permit to carry shotguns or rifles under Florida law on guns. However, those wishing to carry handguns must apply for a license or permit to do so. To carry a concealed handgun, one must apply for a license to the Department of Agriculture. The requirements of an eligible applicant are that the individual must be at least 21 years of age, a legal U.S. resident, not a convicted felon, has not been convicted of a crime in the past three years under misdemeanor, felony, or domestic violence statutes, and can provide for adequate and appropriate reasons to carry a concealed weapon.


The license is valid for a total of five years and includes the name, address, race, date of birth, and occupation of the licensed carrier. Under Florida gun laws, it is considered illegal for an individual to carry any firearm--concealed or in the open--in public, with only the following exceptions:


     Individuals involved with firearms with the purpose of sport and target shooting, and while traveling to and from such locations.


     Individual involved in hunting or trapping, and while traveling to and from such activities.


     Law enforcement and military personnel.


     Individuals involved in the firearms business, such as dealing and repairing.


A firearm may be transported in a private vehicle as long as the firearm is in a secured case and is not easily accessible by anyone traveling in the vehicle. This particular juncture pertains specifically to handguns. Rifles and shotguns may be transported anywhere in a private vehicle, as long as the use of such firearms is considered to be within the constraints of the law, and the firearm is not concealed on the person.


A unique facet of Florida gun laws is that it allows for a no "duty to retreat" clause in its legislature. Essentially, this provision of the law states that an individual has the right to defend him/herself by any means necessary--including deadly force--if he/she is attacked on a location, as long as the individual is not trespassing. An individual has the right to defend him/herself if the person feels it is absolutely necessary to prevent harm or death to him/herself or others.