Is It Legal To Buy a Gun From a Private Seller In Florida?

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

I frequently get asked about the process of selling a firearm through a private sale. Here are some important rules and tips to keep you legal and safe.

What Florida Law Says About Buying a Firearm in Florida From a Private Seller

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

The buyer and the seller must possess a valid government issued ID from the State of Florida.

 Rule #2 - Minimum Age Requirements

 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? Learn More About Who Is NOT Allowed to Own a Gun In Florida Here

To the best of the seller's knowledge the buyer is not prohibited from possessing a firearm.

That's it as long as you follow the legal requirements listed above your well within your rights to sell your firearm. However privately selling a firearm can be dangerous, so here are some helpful tips to keep you safe.

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 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 bill of sale will help you prove who you sold the firearm too. Here is the Private Sale Firearm bill of sale that I use.

Tip #3 - Verify the Firearm isn't Stolen

The State of Florida has a website that allows you to see if a firearm has been reported stolen or not.

FDLE Stolen Gun Search.

Simply type in the serial number of the firearm and if the search results say “No Records Found” your 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 #5 - Take a Friend with You

Private sales can be very dangerous. Take a friend for backup.

Tip #6 - 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 #7 - Must have a Concealed Carry Permit

One of the tricks I like to use is to only buy or sell a firearm to individuals who have a valid Florida concealed carry permit. 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.

Don’ts

1. Don’t send someone money without seeing the firearm in person.

2. Don't allow people to know where you live or work.

3. 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.

Need a Firearm Bill of Sale? Download & print ours free!

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

Ryan G. Thomas