Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess Firearms in Florida

            The following is a summary of Florida Law and federal law regarding the minimum age required to possess or own firearms in Florida.  This summary is split up between long guns (e.g., rifles, shotguns) and handguns, and is further broken down into differences between federal law and Florida Law.  In most cases, Florida follows the federal law.

I. Federal Law – Long Guns

            Federal law prohibits anyone with a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from selling or transferring a long gun to any person under the age of 18.[1]  Federal law does not provide an age limitation with respect to the sale of a long gun by a private seller to someone under the age of 18.  There is also no minimum age requirement for the possession of a long gun.  

II. Florida Law – Long Guns

Florida Law is stricter than federal law regarding the possession of a long gun by someone under the age of 18.[2]  In Florida, a person must be at least 18 years of age to possess a long gun.[3] 

III. Federal Law - Handguns

Federal law prohibits dealers from selling or delivering handguns to anyone under the age of 21.[4]  Federal law also prohibits the possession of a handgun by any person under the age of 18.[5]  Federal law allows the sale of a handgun by a private individual to a person over the age of 18; thus, possession of a handgun by a person over the age of 18 is also allowed.[6]  

IV. Florida Law - Handguns

            According to Florida Law, a person over the age of 18 may lawfully possess a handgun, and may purchase a handgun from a private individual.[7]  However, Florida Law prohibits dealers from selling handguns to anyone under the age of 21.[8] 

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[1] 18 USC § 922(b); 27 CFR § 478. 99(b)(1).

[2] Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 790.17(2), 790.18. 

[3] Id.

[4] 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), (c)(1).

[5] 18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(1).

[6] 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), (c)(1), (x)(1).

[7] Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 790.17(2), 790.18.

[8] Id.