Private Gun Sales In Florida

I frequently get asked about how to sell a gun in Florida, if the sale is private. Here are some important rules and tips to keep you legal and safe--what do you need to sell a gun in Florida. You do not need a Florida Concealed Weapons Permit to purchase a firearm in the State of Florida.

Are Private Fun Sales Legal in Florida?

Florida Law: How to Sell a Gun in Florida

The State of Florida requires that if you're going to transfer ownership of a firearm through a private sale you follow the following rules.

Rule #1 - Identification Requirements

In Florida private gun sales, The buyer and the seller must possess a valid government issued ID from the State of Florida.

Rule #2 - Minimum Age Requirements

In Florida private gun sales, the buyer must meet the minimum age requirement for the firearm type being transferred.

Pistol / Revolver - 21

Shotgun (No Shoulder Stock) - 21

Shotgun (w/ Shoulder Stock) - 18

Rifle - 18

Rules #3 - Is the buyer a prohibited person?

In Florida private gun sales, to the best of the seller's knowledge, the buyer must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm. Learn more about prohibited persons and eligibility here.

So when it comes to selling a gun in Florida, that's it! As long as you follow the legal requirements listed above you’re well within your rights to sell your firearm. However, Florida private gun sales can be dangerous, so here are some helpful tips to keep you safe.

Tips for How to Sell a Gun in Florida

Tip #1 - Make the trade in a public place.

The first firearm I purchased was through a private sale. I met the seller online and after some negotiating we decided to meet. As you can imagine I was a little nervous. I mean this guy knows that I have $600 cash and I'm not even sure he has the gun. I was supposed to meet the seller in a Starbucks parking lot. I figured it was a public place and it should be ok. When I arrived I couldn’t find the seller. “I'm in the alley behind the Starbucks” the seller said via text message. I proceeded to the alley where the seller opened a bag to show me the shotgun. I gave him the cash and got out of there as fast as I could. It was like a scene out of a movie. I have never made a purchase like that again. I choose the location like a gun show, gun store or very public parking lot.

Tip #2 - Use a Florida Firearm Bill of Sale Document

If the firearm you're selling is ever stolen or used in a crime, a firearms trace will link the weapon back to you. A Florida firearm bill of sale will help you prove who you sold the firearm too. Here is the Florida firearm bill of sale that I use, you can download it here.

Get a FREE copy of my Private Firearm Sales Bill of Sale

Tip #3 - Verify the Firearm isn't Stolen

The State of Florida has a website for Florida private gun sales that allows you to see if a firearm has been reported stolen or not. FDLE Stolen Gun Search. FDLE Stolen Gun Search. Simply type in the serial number of the firearm and if the search results say “No Records Found” you're good to proceed with the sale. However, if the search results list a detective name and phone number you should walk away from the transaction as safely as possible.

Tip #4 - Take a Friend with You

Florida private gun sales can be very dangerous. Take a friend for backup.

Tip #4 - Be ready to walk away

If the situation doesn’t look or feel right, be ready to walk away. Many years ago I was meeting a buyer in a very public parking lot. When the buyer arrived and stepped out of his vehicle. I quickly realized that this is not a person I wanted to sell a firearm to. It was the face tattoo that tipped me off.

Tip #5 - Must have a Concealed Carry Permit

One of the tricks I like to use for how to sell a gun in Florida is to only buy or sell a firearm to individuals who have a valid Florida concealed weapons License . If the buyer or seller has a CWP I know they have passed an FBI background check and they are not a prohibited person. This will reduce the pool of potential buyers or sellers but it will make for a much safer transaction. Personally, if the buyer doesn’t have a concealed carry permit, I walk away.

Tips for How to Sell a Gun in Florida:

Don’t send someone money without seeing the firearm in person.
Don't allow people to know where you live or work.
Don't get suckered by a deal too good to be true.

There are lots of scam artists posting amazing firearm deals online. They tell you to act quickly before it's too late. Don't buy into this. Firearms have very little margin, so if you find a huge price difference between top sellers there's a reason.

I hope this article has been helpful for Florida private gun sales.

f you're looking to get your Florida Concealed Weapons permit, you can started watching our Florida Concealed Carry Masterclass now and get the process started....

Ryan G. Thomas