The Responsible Gun Ownership Act aims to enhance firearm safety and regulation in Florida by introducing a new section, 790.0653, which mandates background checks for all firearm sales or transfers, requiring transactions between unlicensed individuals to be processed through licensed dealers. Licensed dealers are tasked with conducting background checks, maintaining records, and providing written warnings to purchasers, with criminal penalties established for violations. The bill also amends existing laws on safe firearm storage, revising penalties for non-compliance, expanding the definition of a minor, and prohibiting the sale of firearms without trigger locks or secure cases.

Additionally, the bill addresses the manufacture and sale of firearms without valid serial numbers, establishing penalties for violations and outlining exceptions to the new regulations. It specifies conditions under which minors may possess firearms, such as with parental permission for certain activities, and introduces definitions for terms related to firearm safety devices. The legislation also clarifies the legal handling of firearms and firearm components, allowing individuals not prohibited by law to receive weapons under specific conditions. A transitional provision permits the sale of unfinished frames or receivers to licensed dealers until January 1, 2026, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 252 Filed: 790.174, 790.175