All You Need to Know About FFL Dealership in Florida
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to Florida Firearm Laws
- How to Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Florida
- Prohibited Firearms in Florida: Weapon/Accessories and Ammunition
- Selling Firearms Online Legally in Florida
- Understanding Background Checks for Firearm Sales in Florida
- Conclusion
Introduction to Florida Firearm Laws
Florida is a firearms-friendly state with minimal state-level regulations on gun ownership and possession. This makes the process of starting a firearms business relatively straightforward compared to many other states.
Also, Florida does not require gun owners, purchasers, or firearms dealers to obtain a state-level license. Therefore, the primary requirement for starting a firearms business in Florida is federal-level regulations without the added complexity of state-specific licensing.
How to Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Florida
To obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Florida, you need to understand the process and requirements.
What is an FFL?
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and permits individuals or businesses to engage in the manufacture, importation, or dealing of firearms and ammunition.
Getting an FFL in Florida
- Meet Federal Requirements
To qualify for an FFL, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have no felony convictions or domestic violence charges
- Have not used illegal drugs in the past.
- Have not been deemed mentally incompetent.
- Complete the FFL Application
- Download and fill out the FFL application form available on the ATF website.
- On the application form, there is a section where you need to select the type of license you are applying for. The options include:
Type | Description | Application Fee for FFL License |
| 1 | Dealers in firearms, Excluding Destructive Devices | $200 |
| 2 | Pawnbrokers of Firearms Excluding Destructive Devices | $200 |
| 3 | Collector of Curios and Relics | $30 |
| 6 | Manufacturer of Ammunition, Excluding Destructive Devices and Armor-Piercing Ammunition | $30 |
| 7 | Manufacturer of Firearms, Excluding Destructive Devices | $150 |
| 8 | Importers of Firearms Excluding Destructive Devices and Ammunition Excluding Armor-Piercing Ammunition | $150 |
| 9 | Dealer in Destructive Devices | $3,000 |
| 10 | Manufacturer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices, or Armor-Piercing Ammunition | $3,000 |
| 11 | Importer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices, or Armor-Piercing Ammunition | $3,000 |
Source link
- Submit fingerprints, a 2×2-inch photo, and the required application fee along with your completed application form.
- Mail the completed application to the ATF.
- Comply with Florida Regulations
- Review the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s guide to FFL background check procedures (a “partial point of contact state”).
- Although Florida does not require additional state-level licenses specifically for gun dealers, ensure that your business location meets local zoning and permitting requirements, especially if you are planning to operate a home-based FFL business.
- Interview with ATF Representative
- An ATF field office inspector will schedule an interview and inspect your business premises.
- Receive FFL License
- Upon approval, you will receive your FFL license within 60 days of submitting your application.
Prohibited Firearms in Florida: Weapons/Accessories and Ammunition
| Prohibited Weapon/Accessories | Prohibited Ammunition Types |
| Short-barreled rifles | Armor-piercing ammunition |
| Short-barreled shotguns | Exploding ammunition |
| Machine guns | Dragon’s Breath shotgun shells |
| Firearms with altered or removed serial numbers | Bolo shells |
| Armor-piercing or exploding bullets loaded into a handgun | Flechette shells |
| Bolo shells loaded into a firearm | |
| Flechette shells loaded into a firearm |
Important Note:
In Florida, no permit is required to purchase or register rifles, shotguns, or handguns. There is no licensing requirement for firearm owners. However, a permit is required to carry a handgun.
Selling Guns Online Legally in Florida
- The buyer orders the firearm online from the dealer’s website or platform.
- The dealer ships the firearm to a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer in the buyer’s local area.
- The local FFL dealer then contacts the buyer to come in and complete the required federal background check. Once the buyer passes the background check and the waiting period, the local FFL dealer can legally transfer the firearm to the buyer.
- Florida does not require a state-issued permit to purchase a firearm, but the buyer and seller must both have valid government-issued IDs from Florida.
- Also, Florida laws state that there is a waiting period of 3 days, excluding weekends and holidays.
- In Florida, the seller doesn’t need to maintain a record of firearm transactions, including sales, transfers, and inventory. However, it is advisable to keep the record just in case of misunderstandings or criminal investigations.
- Licensed firearms dealers in Florida can legally sell guns online by shipping them to a local FFL dealer who then completes the FFL transfer to the buyer after a background check, as long as all state and federal laws are followed.
Understanding Background Checks for Online Gun Sales in Florida
Step 1: Licensed Dealer Responsibilities
Federal law prohibits a licensed dealer from selling or delivering a firearm from their inventory to anyone except a licensed dealer, importer, or manufacturer, without:
- Getting a completed form from the buyer.
- Inspecting the buyer’s photographic identification.
- Requesting a background check from FDLE.
- Recording the unique approval number provided by FDLE.
Step 2: FDLE Background Check
- Call the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and request a check of the information as reported and reflected in the Florida Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center systems.
- FDLE checks the buyer’s criminal history and other records to determine eligibility.
- Disqualifications include felony convictions, certain domestic violence misdemeanors, and specific mental health-related adjudications.
Step 3: Approval or Denial
If any of the disqualifying conditions exist, FDLE must inform the dealer that the buyer or transferee is prohibited from purchasing a firearm and provide the licensee with a non-approval number.
Step 4: Waiting Period
Florida enforces a waiting period of three business days or until the background check is completed, whichever is later.
Note: Concealed weapons permit holders in Florida are exempt from state background check requirements for purchases from licensed dealers but must still adhere to federal requirements.
Final Words
In conclusion, Florida’s firearm laws are relatively straightforward, with minimal state-level regulations. The primary requirements for starting a firearms business in Florida are federal-level regulations, which include obtaining an FFL.
Licensed firearms dealers can legally sell firearms online by shipping them to a local FFL dealer who completes the transfer after a background check. It is essential to understand and comply with both state and federal laws to ensure legal and safe transactions.
Automate Your Firearm Business with Flxpoint!
Disclaimer: The information presented here has been compiled from multiple public sources. It serves as a general overview of firearm regulations and guidelines concerning the specific state. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice or relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
