F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 277 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to storage of firearms in private
3 conveyances and vessels; amending s. 790.25, F.S.;
4 prohibiting the storage of a firearms in unoccupied
5 private conveyances and vessels unless done so in a
6 specified manner; providing definitions; providing
7 criminal penalties; providing an effective date.
8
9 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
10
11 Section 1. Subsection (5) of section 790.25, Florida
12 Statutes, is amended to read:
13 790.25 Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms
14 and other weapons.—
15 (5) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—
16 (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), notwithstanding
17 subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01
18 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed
19 firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose
20 within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license,
21 if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is
22 otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing in
23 this paragraph herein contained prohibits the carrying of a
24 legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private
25 conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use.
Page 1 of 3
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb0277-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 277 2023
26 Nothing in this paragraph herein contained shall be construed to
27 authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on
28 the person. This paragraph subsection shall be liberally
29 construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession
30 of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as
31 provided in s. 776.012.
32 (b)1. A person may not store a firearm, loaded or
33 unloaded, in an unoccupied, unsecured private conveyance or
34 vessel unless the firearm is kept from ordinary observa tion and
35 view and locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another
36 locked container or secured with a device or mechanism that is
37 securely affixed to the private conveyance or vessel.
38 2. As used in subparagraph 1., the term:
39 a. "Private conveyance" includes any "motor vehicle" as
40 defined in s. 790.251(2)(b) other than a public conveyance.
41 b. "Unsecured" means a private conveyance interior or
42 vessel interior that is unlocked or otherwise left open to
43 entry.
44 c. "Vessel" has the same meaning as provided in s. 327.02.
45 3.a Except as provided in subparagraph b., a violation of
46 this paragraph is a misdemeanor of the second degree punishable
47 provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
48 b. If a firearm is discovered in violation of this
49 paragraph by a person committing a criminal offense, the
50 violation of this paragraph is a misdemeanor of the first degree
Page 2 of 3
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb0277-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 277 2023
51 punishable provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
52 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
Page 3 of 3
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb0277-00


Statutes affected:
H 277 Filed: 790.25