Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Florida?

Many people in the United States are now visiting shooting ranges, some to brush their shooting skills, others to have fun shooting targets. They accommodate beginners and established shooters and offer a secure and safe environment to shoot and handle firearms under expert supervision.

You must be familiar with the State Laws before going to a gun range.

Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Florida?

No, you don’t need a gun permit to shoot at a gun range in Florida because no permit is required to possess or buy a handgun, shotgun, or rifle. But also note that it is unlawful to open-carry a firearm or carry a concealed weapon without a license.

It is essential that you consider all this before heading to a gun range to shoot targets.

Is Open Carry Allowed in Florida?

Open carry of handguns is illegal in Florida. Besides firearms, certain electric weapons cannot be openly carried. Contravention leads to criminal charges against the offender. However, there are several instances when open carry is lawful.

Open carry is allowed if you are on your way to or from fishing, hunting, a gun range, and camping. For this to apply, travel must be continuous with no stops as you head to the above activities’ destination.

You may also open carry in your home or business. Guests in your home are not allowed to open carry even with your permission. Employees can carry firearms while at their place of business unless the employer prohibits possession of weapons while on their property.

Open carry for self-defense is allowed along with any non-lethal stun gun, chemical spray, or a non-lethal electric weapon such as a taser. It is also lawful for a person above 18yrs to open carry a shotgun or a rifle inside a private vehicle. However, this is discouraged to avoid unwanted attention from potential gun thieves or law enforcement.

Concealed Firearm Permit in Florida

There are procedures that an individual must follow to be able to carry a concealed weapon. After buying a gun, the very first step is to procure a permit from the relevant authorities. You must be above 21 years old, a United States citizen, and not a convicted felon. Other qualifications include

• You must be residing in the US
• You must have gone through a weapons training class
• You must have less than three driving under influence or domestic violence convictions within the last three years
• You must have no previous cases of being institutionalized in a mental hospital
• You must have no disability that compromises safe handling of the firearm
• You must meet all other federal requirements

Concealed Carry Weapon Restrictions

Having a concealed carry weapon license does not offer you the unfettered right to carry the gun wherever you go. Even with this permit, you cannot open carry your firearm. Doing so might get you arrested, and you might lose the license. Areas where concealed carry is not allowed include:

• Any detention facility, such as a prison or a jail
• Any highway, sheriff, or police station
• Any courthouse, courtroom, or polling place
• Any school administration building, college, or professional athletic event unrelated to guns
• Any establishment licensed to dispense any alcoholic drinks for consumption
• Any place where prostitution or gang activity occurs

Concealed Weapon Storage

When carrying the weapon in a car, you must always ensure the weapon is encased in a gun case, glove compartment, holster, container with a lead, or range backpack and out of reach.

Conclusion

If you don’t want legal troubles during your shooting engagements in a Florida gun range, you must understand all the gun laws in Florida. As they say, ignorance is never a defense.