The proposed bill introduces comprehensive regulations concerning the sale, transfer, and possession of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Florida. It establishes a new section, 790.301, which defines critical terms such as "assault weapon" and "large-capacity magazine," and prohibits their sale or transfer, with exceptions for law enforcement and military use. Individuals who lawfully possessed these items before a specified date must apply for a certificate of possession by October 1, 2026. The bill mandates that the Department of Law Enforcement create rules for the application process, which will require detailed personal and weapon information. It also outlines conditions for continued possession and the requirements for transferring ownership, while introducing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses involving these weapons.

Additionally, the bill imposes stricter penalties for felonies committed with assault weapons or large-capacity magazines, including minimum prison sentences of 15 to 25 years for certain convictions. It specifies that these weapons cannot be sold or transferred after January 1, 2026, except to licensed gun dealers or through inheritance. Individuals acquiring such weapons must apply for a certificate of possession within 90 days or must render the weapons inoperable, sell them, or remove them from the state. The bill also includes provisions for the transportation of these weapons and the process for relinquishing them to law enforcement, along with a severability clause to maintain the enforceability of remaining provisions if any part of the act is invalidated. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1338 Filed: 775.087