Florida is one of the more friendly states toward gun owners, with lawmakers in the state respecting the right of individuals to bear arms in accordance with the Second Amendment. However, the state does not allow everybody to own or use a gun, so there are certain restrictions on the possession of firearms in Jacksonville.
If you are facing charges of illegally possessing a gun, you need help. An experienced gun attorney from the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., could provide that help by offering knowledgeable advice and guiding you through the justice system.
What Are the General Rules Regarding Gun Possession?
Although the state of Florida and the city of Jacksonville are generally relatively lenient about firearms possession compared to many other jurisdictions, the state restricts who is eligible to legally possess a firearm—not everyone can simply acquire a gun and walk around with it.
While state laws are less restrictive than those of many other states in that you do not need to obtain a permit or license to buy a gun, every prospective purchaser must comply with the prescribed three-day waiting period between purchasing and obtaining their weapon. Once you have the gun, the state has a constitutional carry law, which allows eligible people to carry a concealed weapon without a special permit or license.
Only United States citizens and lawful permanent residents can purchase guns in the state of Florida. Generally, you must also be over 21 years old to purchase a gun here; however, law enforcement officials and military members who are under 21 can purchase rifles and shotguns. Only state residents can buy handguns, but people from other states can buy long guns as long as their purchases comply with the rules in their respective states of residence.
Our dedicated local attorneys believe strongly in the right to bear arms. If you are facing charges that interfere with your constitutionally protected right to possess a weapon, our legal team could aggressively fight for your rights.
Specific State Rules Barring Possession of Guns
In addition to the rules above, further laws regulate who can possess a gun, the types of guns people can possess, and where they can carry those guns.
Who Cannot Possess a Gun?
Florida follows federal guidelines on who is prohibited from possessing a gun. That includes the following groups of people:
- Convicted felons
- Fugitives
- People addicted to drugs or alcohol
- People adjudicated to have mental illnesses or who have been involuntarily committed
- Illegal aliens
- Anyone who was dishonorably discharged from military service
- Anyone with an active restraining order against them
- Anyone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor
- Anyone facing felony charges
The state also has additional restrictions. It forbids anyone from purchasing a firearm if a juvenile court judged them delinquent in a crime that would involve felony charges for an adult—this ban lasts until they are at least 24 years old or a court has expunged their record. It also bans people who have faced certain misdemeanor or felony charges relating to domestic violence within the last three years and those who have recently been arrested for certain crimes.
Where Are Guns Restricted?
People cannot carry guns into many locations, including:
- Police stations
- Jails or prisons
- Courthouses
- Polling and voting places
- Government meetings
- Athletic events
- School buildings
- Bars or other licensed alcohol dispensing establishments
- Airport terminals
- College facilities
If caught carrying a weapon in a forbidden location, you could face serious criminal charges.
Possession of Banned Types of Firearms
People in Florida cannot purchase every type of firearm. Certain kinds of arms and ammunition are not allowed, such as:
- Machine guns
- Guns with altered or removed serial numbers
- Short-barreled rifles or shotguns
- Armor-piercing bullets
- Bump-fire stocks
Our Jacksonville attorneys are familiar with local laws regarding firearms possession and use and could work with you to help advocate for your rights.
Consult a Jacksonville Lawyer If You Are Facing Charges for the Possession of a Firearm
If law enforcement officials have accused you of illegal possession of firearms in Jacksonville, you need to work with a legal team that understands the law and knows how to fight for you. Our knowledgeable attorneys could resist the charges by finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and looking for constitutional violations during the investigation, search, seizure, or arrest.
Call now for a free consultation. Problems? Pick Porter™.