In Florida, it is legal for a person with a concealed carry permit to keep a loaded handgun in their vehicle’s glove compartment. However, there are some important requirements and restrictions to be aware of.
Requirements for Keeping a Loaded Handgun in Your Glove Box in Florida
Here are the key requirements for legally keeping a loaded handgun in your glove box in Florida:
- You must have a valid Florida Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW). This permit allows you to carry a concealed handgun on your person or in your vehicle in Florida.
- The handgun must be securely encased. A vehicle glove compartment is considered a secure encasement.
- Only handguns are allowed. Rifles and shotguns cannot be kept loaded in a vehicle.
- The ammunition cannot be accessible. It must be stored separately from the handgun.
So in summary, if you have a valid Florida CCW permit, you can keep a loaded handgun in your glove compartment, but the ammo must be separate. The glove box counts as a secure encasement.
Restrictions on Keeping a Handgun in Your Glove Box
There are also some important restrictions to be aware of:
- If you do not have a valid Florida CCW permit, keeping a loaded handgun in your glove box is illegal.
- The handgun cannot be concealed on your person while in the vehicle. It must remain securely encased in the glove box.
- Local municipalities may have additional restrictions, so check city and county laws.
- School zones, court buildings, airports, and other restricted areas may prohibit keeping a handgun in your car.
So in summary, you must have a valid CCW permit and the handgun must stay in the glove box to remain legal.
Penalties for Improperly Storing a Handgun in Your Vehicle
If you violate the laws regarding proper storage of a handgun in your vehicle, you could face civil or criminal penalties in Florida, including:
- A second-degree misdemeanor charge
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- License suspension or revocation
So it’s critical to follow all the rules and keep your handgun properly secured in your glove box if choosing to store it there.
Law References
The Florida laws regarding keeping a handgun securely encased in your glove compartment primarily derive from the following statutes:
- Florida Statute 790.25 – Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms and other weapons
- Florida Statute 790.001 – Definitions
- Florida Statute 790.06 – License to carry concealed weapon or firearm
These laws specify the requirements around proper encasement, concealed weapons permits, and penalties for violations.
Best Practices for Glove Box Storage
If you do keep a handgun in your glove box, follow these best practices:
- Use a locked hard case or gun safe inside the glove box for added security.
- Consider using a cable lock or trigger lock on the handgun.
- Keep ammunition in a separate enclosed box inside the glove compartment.
- Never leave the vehicle unattended with a handgun inside.
- Always keep your CCW permit current.
Following these tips will help ensure you safely and legally store your handgun to remain in compliance with Florida law.
Conclusion
In summary, Florida law allows for keeping a loaded handgun securely encased in your glove compartment given some important requirements:
- You must have an active Florida concealed carry weapons permit.
- The handgun must remain securely encased and not on your person.
- Ammunition must be stored separately.
- Only handguns are allowed, not rifles or shotguns.
- Restricted areas may still prohibit glove box storage.
Always be sure to follow all applicable state, local, and premises laws regarding storage of firearms in vehicles. With a valid CCW permit and properly secure storage, keeping a loaded handgun in your glove box is legal in Florida.