Are Gun Magnets In Your Car Legal If You Have a Concealed Carry Permit?

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

Have you ever wondered, “Can I mount a firearm in my vehicle legally?” As I mentioned in a previous article, Florida statute 790.25(5) states; 

Florida Statutes 790.25 (5) It is lawful and is not a violation of statute 790.01 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.

The portion of the statute that is really in question is the part that says "without a license."

Some Florida Attorneys Think...

According to some Florida attorneys, this statute should only apply to individuals without a Florida concealed weapons permit. My personal opinion is that prison sucks and I want to stay as far away from that gray line as possible.

Do Firearm Magnets Make Sense and Are They Safe?
Let’s forget about Florida gun law for just a second. One of the most important gun safety rules is to always protect the trigger.

Recently I was interviewed by the Tampa Bay Times about a series of negligent shootings that occurred across the state of Florida. There were five negligent shootings in just a two-week period. 

She Shot Her Husband...
On May 5th, 2019 a concealed carry permit holder was shopping with her husband at a Publix grocery store in Pasco County, FL.

While standing in the checkout line, she dropped her purse on the floor, which contained an unholstered derringer.

When the derringer slammed into the ground, it discharged and struck her husband in the leg. According to Pasco County sheriff deputies, the firearm had been inside her purse for over a year without a holster.

I guarantee this woman engaged the firearm safety when she initially placed the derringer in her purse, but over time, as the firearm was bouncing around her purse, the safety was disengaged.

This negligent shooting occurred because this woman didn’t think she needed to place her firearm inside of a holster. 

He Killed His Coworker...

On May 8th, 2019, a 44-year-old man was fatally shot by his coworker.

According to Hillsborough County sheriff deputies, the shooter arrived at a construction site in Riverview, FL. While exiting the vehicle, he decided to move his firearm from his waistband to his pocket. It was at this point that the shooter slipped on an object, fell to the ground, and accidentally pressed the trigger on his pistol. 

Let me ask you a question: “If you’re a safe and responsible Florida concealed carry  permit holder, should you ever remove your firearm from your holster throughout the day, unless there’s an emergency?

Of course not. This entire situation could have been avoided.

If the shooter would have removed the entire holster and placed it into his pocket, at least the trigger would have been protected. We know that as long as the trigger is protected, nothing bad can happen.

I could go on and on with stories of irresponsible gun owners who hurt themselves or someone else because they didn’t have a firearm in a holster. Instead, I want to get back to the main topic of firearm magnets. 

This Is Why People Get Shot...
We know that most firearm accidents occur because of improper trigger discipline. People are putting their finger on the trigger when they shouldn't. Now, if you have a gun stuck to one of these magnets, is it possible that your children are ever going to get into your car without you knowing? I think the answer is yes.

If you got into a car accident, do you think the firearm could become dislodged from this magnet? I think it would.

Could this loaded firearm discharge as it’s bouncing around your car during an accident?

I think it could.

I Find Guns EVERYDAY...
A friend of mine owns a bunch of oil change businesses around Hillsborough County, kind of similar to Jiffy Lube.

What would you guess the number one thing is that they find inside of people's cars when they pull up to get an oil change?

That's right. It's a pistol. He said that they find guns inside of the side door, they find them tucked into the seat, and they see them all the time on these gun magnets. 

Do you know the person who’s inside your car changing your oil? Nope. Is it possible that one of these knuckleheads may touch the gun and accidentally discharge it because it is just sitting available to them? I think it is.

Are Firearm Magnets Legal?
Whether these firearm magnets are legal in the state of Florida is really up to the courts, and potentially the police officer who stops you.

I have had students get arrested because they had a firearm in a holster inside of their center console, and these people went to jail for that because the cop did not know that it’s legal.

What do you think a cop is going to say when he sees a pistol not in a holster, stuck to a magnet?

I think it's a roll of the dice, and I am not into gambling...

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 Click here to get started...