What's Up Sheepdogs? Ryan here with Tampa Carry.

Possessing a firearm on a boat is very similar to possessing a firearm inside of your car because both are considered to be a conveyance. 

Florida Statutes 776.013(5)(c) "Vehicle" means a conveyance of any kind, whether or not motorized, which is designed to transport people or property. 

With this being said, the exact same rules that would apply to transporting a firearm inside of your personal vehicle would apply to having a firearm on a boat. 

Florida Statutes 790.25 (5)  POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE. ….it is lawful and is not a violation…. for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use…

According to this statute, it is lawful for an individual to have a firearm in a vehicle without a concealed weapons permit.

The firearm can be loaded or unloaded and located anywhere in the vehicle as long as the firearm is securely encased or not readily accessible for immediate use.

If you noticed, the statute says your firearm must be securely encased OR not readily accessible. You can follow one or the other, but you're not required to do both. Florida statutes define these two terms as: 

Securely encased - F.S. 790.001(17) means in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access. 

 
Readily accessible for immediate use - F.S. 790.001(16) means that a firearm or other weapon is carried on the person or within such close proximity and in such a manner that it can be retrieved and used as easily and quickly as if carried on the person. 

 
As most of you know Florida gun law allows you to open carry a firearm while you are fishing. Here's what the law says;

Florida Statutes 790.25 - (3)(h) A person engaged in fishing, camping or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping or lawful hunting expedition;

 
In my opinion a person would only be authorized to openly display a firearm when they are fishing or traveling to or returning from fishing.

That's all I have for today. So until next time keep training and stay safe...

Ryan G. Thomas

P.S. You’re one step away from getting your Florida concealed carry permit….FAST & EASY…

And for a limited time you can watch the concealed carry course online for free... Click here to get started...