Title: Storage of Firearms in Private Conveyances and Vessels

Summary: Prohibits storage of firearms in unoccupied private conveyances & vessels unless done so in specified manner; requires local law enforcement agencies to engage in promotional campaign.

Full Text:
An act relating to storage of firearms in private conveyances and vessels; amending s. 790.25, F.S.; prohibiting the storage of firearms in unoccupied private conveyances and vessels unless done so in a specified manner; providing definitions; requiring local law enforcement agencies to engage in a promotional campaign; providing a finding of important state interest; providing an effective date. Be It Enac ted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Subsection (4) of section 790.25, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 790.25 Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms and other weapons.-(4) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.-(a)1. Except as provided in paragraph (b), notwithstanding s. 790.01, a person years of age or older who is in lawful possession of a handgun or other weapon may possess such a handgun or weapon within the interior of a private conveyance if the handg un or weapon is securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. A person who possesses a handgun or other weapon as authorized under this subparagraph paragraph may not carry the handgun or weapon on his or her HB 2024 person. 2.(b) This paragraph subsection does not prohibit a person from carrying a: a.1. Legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use; or b.2. Concealed weapon or concealed firearm on his or her person while in a private conveyance if he or she is authorized to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm under s. 790.01(1). 3.(c) This paragraph subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as provided in s. 776.012. (b)1. A person may not store a firearm, loaded or unloaded, in an unoccupied, unsecured private conveyance or vessel unless the firearm is kept from ordinary observation and view and locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another locked container, or secured with a device or mechanism that is securely affixed to the private conveyance or vessel. 2. As used in subparagraph 1., the term: a. "Private conveyance" inc ludes any "motor vehicle" as defined in s. 790.251(2)(b) other than a public conveyance. b. "Unsecured" means a private conveyance interior or vessel interior that is unlocked or otherwise left open to HB 2024 entry. c. "Vessel" has the same meaning as provided in s. 327.02. 3. Each law enforcement agency shall engage in a promotional campaign to educate the public and gun owners of the requirements of subparagraph 1. Section 2. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the most efficient and effective deterrent to juvenile theft of firearms from vessels and conveyances, tailored to local conditions and resources. Therefore, the Legislature determines and declares that the provisions of this act fulfill an important state interest. Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.