The Proper Way to Carry a Firearm in Florida and Not Get Arrested

It is considered a serious crime to carry a concealed weapon in Florida, a crime punishable by a long prison sentence. However, there are ways you can carry a firearm in Florida legally so as not to subject you to getting arrested and put in jail. If you live in Florida and own a firearm, it is vital that you know and understand how and when you can carry your firearm without being arrested.

It is prohibited to carry a Concealed Firearm

The best place to start is with the general rule in Florida, which says that it is prohibited to carry a concealed weapon. If the weapon is a firearm, the charge is a third degree felony, which can get you up to five years in jail, if you are convicted. Even though it is not legal to carry a concealed firearm in Florida, there are two important exceptions to this rule:

·         If you have a valid Florida conceal carry permit

·         If you are a non-resident, over the age of 21, and have a valid conceal carry permit from your state of residence.

Open Carry in Florida

In Florida, unlike many states, it is illegal to openly carry a firearm in most situations. However, under certain limited situations, you may legally carry a firearm openly. An example is when you are hunting, but it is still best to assume that to carry a firearm openly in Florida is prohibited.

Where Can a Firearm be Legally Carried in Florida?

Whereas it is not illegal to own a firearm in Florida, there are certain places you can always have a firearm. Even if you do not have a valid conceal carry permit, you are allowed in the following places to have a firearm:

·         Inside your home

·         At your workplace

·         On your person if you are legally hunting or fishing

·         On your person if you are with a club that engages in trap shooting, skeet shooting, or target shooting

·         Inside your vehicle if transporting the firearm for a legal purpose

Transporting a Firearm in Florida

If the only reason you own a firearm is to protect your home or business, you may find a time when it becomes necessary to transport your firearm. This could be upon purchase, when it needs repaired, when you sell it, or when you go hunting or target shooting regularly. You can legally carry a firearm inside your vehicle when the following conditions occur:

·         Firearms that are handguns must be "securely encased," or "not readily available for use."

·         If the firearm is being transported by public transportation or inside a private vehicle, it must be "securely encased" either inside a glove compartment, inside a box with a secure lid, or inside a gun case.

·         A long gun, or rifle can be transported anywhere inside a private vehicle as long as you are using it for a lawful purpose like hunting.

Generally, the laws in Florida protect the rights of firearm owners, but there are penalties if you break those laws, which can be severe. If you are not certain about where you need to carry a firearm, call an experienced Jacksonville criminal lawyer so you can avoid possibly being arrested and convicted with a firearms offense.