Florida firearm rules for a private vehicle depend on lawful possession, the way the firearm is carried or stored, and the location. The old advice to leave a gun in plain sight was incorrect.
Inside a private vehicle
Florida Statutes section 790.25 addresses lawful possession in a private conveyance, including a securely encased handgun or one not readily accessible for immediate use in specified circumstances. Other carry provisions, including section 790.01, may apply to a person eligible to carry. The rules should be read together. There is no general requirement that a gun be visible on a seat; visible, readily accessible storage can create safety and legal concerns.
Restricted places and eligibility
Schools and school-sponsored events have separate restrictions and exceptions under section 790.115. A parking exception may be affected by published school district policy. Federal law, prohibited-person rules, and other location restrictions can also matter. Do not assume a local official’s informal answer overrides the statutes, or that every school parking situation is automatically a felony.
Before transporting a firearm, review the current law for your age, eligibility, vehicle, and destination with qualified counsel. Secure storage is especially important around children. If charged, a lawyer can evaluate the exact location, manner of possession, and applicable exceptions. Roy J. Kahn, P.A. handles Miami criminal defense matters. No outcome is guaranteed.
This is general information, not legal advice.
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