The Responsible Gun Ownership Act aims to enhance firearm safety and regulation in Florida by introducing several key provisions. It establishes a new section, 790.0653, mandating background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, requiring transactions to be conducted through licensed dealers who may charge a fee. The bill also revises existing laws on safe storage, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and mandates that firearms sold by licensed dealers include safety devices like trigger locks. Additionally, it prohibits the manufacture or transfer of firearms without valid serial numbers and creates the Veterans Firearm Suicide Reduction Task Force to address firearm-related suicides among veterans.

The legislation further introduces a buyback program for firearms, allowing governmental entities to purchase weapons from private individuals under specific conditions. It clarifies possession and transportation requirements for firearms, particularly for non-residents and new residents, ensuring compliance with federal laws. The bill also specifies that the sale of unfinished frames or receivers to licensed dealers is permitted until January 1, 2026, and sets an effective date for the act as a whole to be July 1, 2025, with certain provisions taking effect on October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to improve public safety by tightening regulations surrounding firearm ownership and transfer, particularly concerning minors and unregistered firearms.

Statutes affected:
S 1096 Filed: 790.174, 790.175