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 419 2024
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 firearms in unoccupied
5 private conveyances and vessels unless done so in a
6 specified manner; providing definitions; requiring
7 local law enforcement agencies to engage in a
8 promotional campaign; providing a finding of important
9 state interest; providing an effective date.
10
11 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
12
13 Section 1. Subsection (4) of section 790.25, Florida
14 Statutes, is amended to read:
15 790.25 Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms
16 and other weapons.—
17 (4) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—
18 (a)1. Except as provided in paragraph (b), notwithstanding
19 s. 790.01, a person 18 years of age or older who is in lawful
20 possession of a handgun or other weapon may possess such a
21 handgun or weapon within the interior of a private conveyance if
22 the handgun or weapon is securely encased or otherwise not
23 readily accessible for immediate use. A person who possesses a
24 handgun or other weapon as authorized under this subparagraph
25 paragraph may not carry the handgun or weapon on his or her
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26 person.
27 2.(b) This paragraph subsection does not prohibit a person
28 from carrying a:
29 a.1. Legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a
30 private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a
31 lawful use; or
32 b.2. Concealed weapon or concealed firearm on his or her
33 person while in a private conveyance if he or she is authorized
34 to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm under s.
35 790.01(1).
36 3.(c) This paragraph subsection shall be liberally
37 construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession
38 of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as
39 provided in s. 776.012.
40 (b)1. A person may not store a firearm, loaded or
41 unloaded, in an unoccupied, unsecured private conveyance or
42 vessel unless the firearm is kept from ordinary observation and
43 view and locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another
44 locked container, or secured with a device or mechanism that is
45 securely affixed to the private conveyance or vessel.
46 2. As used in subparagraph 1., the term:
47 a. "Private conveyance" includes any "motor vehicle" as
48 defined in s. 790.251(2)(b) other than a public conveyance.
49 b. "Unsecured" means a private conveyance interior or
50 vessel interior that is unlocked or otherwise left open to
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51 entry.
52 c. "Vessel" has the same meaning as provided in s. 327.02.
53 3. Each law enforcement agency shall engage in a
54 promotional campaign to educate the public and gun owners of the
55 requirements of subparagraph 1.
56 Section 2. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide
57 for the most efficient and effective deterrent to juvenile theft
58 of firearms from vessels and conveyances, tailored to local
59 conditions and resources. Therefore, the Legislature determines
60 and declares that the provisions of this act fulfill an
61 important state interest.
62 Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.
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Statutes affected:
H 419 Filed: 790.25