by Matt WilliamsCan I Carry a Firearm in my Vehicle without a Concealed Weapon Permit in Florida?
Yes, you can carry a firearm in your vehicle without a concealed weapon permit in Florida. That is the simple answer. That being said, every state has different gun laws, and it’s essential for you to be familiar with the laws of the state in which you plan to carry a gun. Florida is a very gun-friendly state, but there are a few things that you should be aware of before you carry a firearm in your vehicle in the sunshine state.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the law as it relates to possessing a firearm in Florida. To be clear, there is no “three step rule” in Florida, there is no rule requiring the firearm to be unloaded, and there is no rule limiting the size or capacity of a magazine that you can carry.
There is also no rule requiring you to keep your firearm separate from your ammunition; however, there are laws governing where you can store your firearm in your car if you do not have a concealed weapon permit. Section 790.25(5), Florida Statutes, allows anyone 18 years or older in Florida to possess a firearm in their vehicle without a license as long as the firearm is securely encased and not readily accessible for use (securely encased is defined as being in a glove box, whether locked or not; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether locked or not; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access). That means it is illegal to carry a firearm under your seat if you don’t have a concealed weapon permit, and it’s also illegal to carry a gun in your purse without a concealed weapon permit. If you are caught carrying a handgun in your vehicle, and it is not securely encased, then you can be charged with carrying a concealed firearm, which is a third-degree felony.
There is one major exception to this rule. Section 790.25(5), Florida Statutes, also allows you to carry any firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a vehicle without a concealed weapon permit as long as the firearm is lawfully possessed. Meaning, a long gun (rifle, shotgun, etc.) can be carried openly in your back seat.
If you are arrested and charged with carrying a concealed firearm, and you believe the firearm was securely encased, contact an attorney at The Law Office of Matthew Williams in Tallahassee, Florida to go over the facts of your case and any possible defenses you may have. You can also contact The Law Office of Matthew C. Williams if you have any questions about possessing a firearm in general.
There are many more benefits to hiring a private attorney if you are charged with carrying a concealed firearm, so you need to choose the right lawyer. The Law Office of Matthew Williams focuses primarily on criminal defense matters in the North Florida area, including Tallahassee and surrounding areas. They take pride in having a personal relationship with their clients.
Attorney Williams treats his clients like family because he knows what they are dealing with is always more than just a case. He refuses to let law enforcement, state attorneys, or the criminal justice system stand in the way of getting his clients the justice they deserve. He obtains the best results for his clients, and he’ll do the same for you. Give the Law Office of Matthew Williams a call now.
by Matt WilliamsLearn More About Attorney Matthew Williams
A great criminal defense lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal system, and Attorney Matthew Williams is ready to hit the ground running with his new law office