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

Florida gun shows are large events where promoters rent large public venues and rent tables to individuals and businesses to display and sell their products or services. 

These sellers offer a wide variety of products for sale. These products include ammunition, accessories, holsters, and of course firearms.

However, not everyone selling firearms at a Florida gun show is operating on the same rules and procedures. There are three different types of firearm sellers you will encounter at a gun show. 

Seller # 1 - Licensed Firearm Dealers

The first type of seller you will find at a gun show is a licensed firearms dealer. These are individuals who have acquired a Federal Firearms License, or FFL, from ATF to operate a business buying and selling firearms.

FFL dealers are required to comply with strict laws regarding the sale and transfer of firearms.

These companies are required to complete an ATF Form 4473, background check, and applicable waiting period for each person they sell a firearm to, even if the transaction occurs at a gun show. 

Seller # 2 - Firearm Collectors

The second type of seller you will find at a gun show is a firearms collector, also known as a non-licensed dealer. These are individuals who have a large collection of firearms that they have decided to sell. 

Firearms collectors are difficult to differentiate from licensed firearms dealers because they will usually look and operate exactly like a licensed dealer, with some exceptions.  

Firearms collectors do not have a federal firearms license and are not licensed by the ATF. This means if you purchase a firearm from a firearms collector, you will not be required to complete any paperwork, background check, or waiting period.

This is because firearms collectors are selling firearms that they personally own and are theoretically not operating as a business. I understand that many of these individuals are buying and selling firearms as a way to make extra money. However, they are prohibited from purchasing new firearms from manufactures and wholesalers because they do not possess the proper licensing.

Seller # 2 - Private Firearm Seller

The final type of seller you will find at gun shows is a private seller.

If you’ve been to a gun show, you’ve probably noticed people walking around, holding a firearm with a sign taped to their chest or back. This is a private seller who may have one or two firearms that they want to sell through a private transaction.

Even though firearms collectors and private sellers do not have a license to buy and sell firearms, that doesn’t mean they are operating without rules or regulations. These two types of sellers are still required to follow all federal and state guidelines for private firearm transactions.

To learn more about how to sell a firearm through a private sale, read this article.

As always I encourage you to ONLY buy or sell firearms to an individual who has a valid Florida concealed carry permit. In my experience this is the only way to ensure each party is law allowed to posses a firearm.

Conclusion

Buying a firearm at a gun show is extremely simple. However it is important to understand the difference between the three types of sellers you will encounter at a gun show so that you know what to expect.

That's all I have for today. So until next time keep training and stay safe...Talk to you soon,

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...