Does Florida Have a Gun Storage Law?

One tip for proper storage is to keep ammunition and firearms in separate places.

Florida has several laws and regulations regarding the legal and illegal storage of firearms. These laws encompass not only storage in a home or residence but in a vehicle as well. Violations of these laws have penalties of fines and imprisonment.

In the Home

One of the major concerns regarding firearms storage is child safety. Florida laws, F.S. 790.173(1) and F.S.790.174 in particular, aim towards their protection. These laws require that anyone found in violation of proper gun storage--allowing the guns to be accessible to children--could be subject to up to 60 days in jail and $1,000 in related fines.

In the Vehicle

It is also possible to be charged with improper storage in your car or truck. Legal storage examples are a gun rack, closed box or your trunk. It is prohibited, however, to keep the weapon concealed on your person, in a door pocket or beneath your seat. Any location that can be interpreted as ready for "immediate use" is illegal.

Storage Options

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott offers some suggestions for storing firearms. He proposes the use of trigger locks, separate storage of the gun and ammo, and keeping guns out young people's reach and eyesight. He also states that you should not keep your weapon with valuables, as a thief stealing other belongings may gain an unintentional and dangerous bonus.

References

• Lee County Sheriff's Office: Firearm Safety

Resources

• Equip to Conceal: Florida Firearms Classes
• Pediatrics: Reexamining the Association