What is a Florida Gun Bill of Sale?

A gun bill of sale refers to relocating a firearm from a seller to a buyer. When the seller surrenders possession of the weapon, they also release their rights over it. In turn, the buyer gains control of the firearm and assumes liability. If anything happens to the gun or someone illegally uses it, the new owner becomes responsible. Residents with weapons should refer to Florida statutes to ensure they understand the law before purchasing.

Individuals twenty-one (21) years and older can buy weapons through a private seller or licensed dealer without a permit. Both types of sales require a background check of the customer. If they pass the test, the buyer and seller fill out a firearm bill of sale, which officiates the transfer.

Residents in legal custody of a gun do not need to register it or inform the state of the purchase. In addition, the state does not place limits on the number of firearms that an individual can buy in one transaction. However, per state law, the buyer must wait three (3) to five (5) business days to receive the firearm(s) from the dealer.

How to Apply for Concealed Weapon License

Residents over the age of twenty-one (21) do not need a permit to possess or buy a gun in the state. Individuals between eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) can own a firearm, but they cannot purchase or sell one. Eligible out-of-state visitors can buy long guns if their state of residence allows it.

Aside from age restrictions, the state prohibits how and where an individual can carry a weapon. Gun owners cannot open or concealed carry in public places (except while fishing, camping, hunting, or target practice).

Gun holders and licensees in Florida cannot open carry (§ 790.06). Similarly, a person cannot concealed carry in public places without a license (§ 790.25). Therefore, residents apply for concealed weapons licenses to carry their guns on them in areas they otherwise could not.

Step 1 – Review Restrictions

Residents in good standing with state and federal law can apply for a concealed weapons license. “Good standing” means that they:

• Are not a felon;
• Have not been convicted or accused of a crime;
• Are mentally stable and do not have a mental disorder that interferes with their ability to use a gun safely;
• Are not an illegal immigrant;
• Have not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Military;
• Have not had their U.S. citizenship revoked;
• Are not addicted to drugs or alcohol; and
• Do not have any active restraining orders against them.

Step 2 – Take Training Course

Residents can only apply for a concealed weapons license if they have completed a firearms training course. Florida state law must approve the class, or the applicant cannot send it with their application. When sending the forms, they must provide the state with a copy of the certificate and not the original version.

Step 3 – Submit Application

Applicants can bring documentation to a nearby office or send it by mail.

In-Person

The interested party must make an appointment through a Florida regional or tax collector office. During the meeting, the individual fills out an application on the computer provided. After finishing the form, a staff member checks it for completion.

Then, they take a photograph of the applicant and their fingerprints. The person applying for the concealed handgun license must swear that they understand Chapter 790 of Florida statutes, which they must read before their appointment (§§ 790.001 to 790.401).

Lastly, the applicant pays for the services, and the office submits the information to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Licensing.

By Mail

Closely following the instructions manual, the resident must fill out the Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application. Next, they must visit a local sheriff’s office or police department to have their fingerprints and photographs taken. After paying the associated fees, they receive a document containing their official fingerprints and the pictures.

The applicant must gather the completed application, fingerprints, photographs, certificate of firearm safety training (a copy), identification, and payment. They must put this information into an envelope and address it to:

Step 4 – Wait for Approval

Whether the applicant applies by mail or in person, the state must issue an approval or denial notice within ninety (90) days of receiving the application.

The person applying for the license must ensure they have taken the proper steps to prevent processing delays. Common mistakes include incomplete applications or errors with the paperwork and payment, indecipherable fingerprints, and inadequate background checks.

Step 5 – Renew

Concealed weapons licenses in Florida last for seven (7) years. The FDACS sends licensees a notice about ninety-five (95) days before their license expires. This packet of information includes instructions on how to renew.

Applicants who do not provide the renewal information by the expiration date have to pay an additional $15. They have up to six (6) months to send in the paperwork and payment. Individuals who fail to renew after six (6) months cannot renew and must reapply as a new applicant.

The individual must provide 1) a valid driver’s license or state identification card, 2) licensing fees, and 3) an unsigned renewal application.

License holders can renew online, in person, or by mail. Individuals who visit an office receive a new license within an hour. Mail applications take about two (2) weeks in comparison.