Florida Senate - 2023 SB 1602



By Senator Rouson





16-00479B-23 20231602__
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 in a
6 specified manner; providing definitions; requiring
7 local law enforcement agencies to engage in a certain
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 (5) 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 (5) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—
18 (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), notwithstanding
19 subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01
20 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed
21 firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose
22 within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license,
23 if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is
24 otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing in
25 this paragraph herein contained prohibits the carrying of a
26 legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private
27 conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use.
28 Nothing in this paragraph herein contained shall be construed to
29 authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on
30 the person. This paragraph subsection shall be liberally
31 construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession
32 of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as
33 provided in s. 776.012.
34 (b)1. A person may not store a firearm, loaded or unloaded,
35 in an unoccupied, unsecured private conveyance or vessel unless
36 the firearm is kept from ordinary observation and view and
37 locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another locked
38 container or secured with a device or mechanism that is securely
39 affixed to the private conveyance or vessel.
40 2. As used in subparagraph 1., the term:
41 a. “Private conveyance” includes any motor vehicle as
42 defined in s. 790.251(2)(b) other than a public conveyance.
43 b. “Unsecured” means a private conveyance interior or
44 vessel interior that is unlocked or otherwise left open to
45 entry.
46 c. “Vessel” has the same meaning as provided in s. 327.02.
47 3. Each law enforcement agency shall engage in a
48 promotional campaign to educate the public and gun owners of the
49 requirements of subparagraph 1. and that with gun ownership
50 comes responsibility.
51 Section 2. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide
52 for the most efficient and effective deterrent to juvenile theft
53 of firearms from vessels and conveyances, tailored to local
54 conditions and resources. Therefore, the Legislature determines
55 and declares that the provisions of this act fulfill an
56 important state interest.
57 Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
S 1602 Filed: 790.25