Florida Law § 790.221 prohibits individuals from possessing or possessing short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or machine guns in working order. It is not illegal to possess these weapons as long as they are antique firearms. Federal law does not restrict individuals (with the exception of convicted offenders; persons accused of crimes; convicted “mental disabilities” or persons involuntarily admitted to psychiatric institutions; illicit drug users; illegal aliens and most non-immigrants; disgraced and released veterans; those who have renounced their U.S. citizenship; refugees from the justice system; persons convicted of domestic violence offences; and persons exposed to domestic violence; B. Orders) from the transport of legally acquired firearms across national borders for legal purposes. As a result, no federal permit is required (or available) for the interstate transportation of firearms. Many states and places have laws that govern the transportation of firearms. Travelers should be aware of these laws and comply with the legal requirements of each jurisdiction. There is no uniform procedure for the transport of firearms. When in doubt, a passenger must keep firearms unloaded, enclosed in a suitcase and in an area (for example, a trunk or attached toolbox) where they are inaccessible from the passenger compartment of a vehicle and not visible from outside the vehicle.
Ammunition must be stored in a separate sealed container. Florida also has the “stand your ground” law, which the NRA`s Institute for Legislative Action describes as a person who does not have a “duty to withdraw” if attacked in a place where they are legally entitled to do so. Although FOPA (see “Federal Firearms Transportation Act” above) applies in all jurisdictions in the United States, experience has shown that some jurisdictions pose particular challenges for those transporting firearms. Knowing the local laws of these places is especially important and can make travel easier. The following list should not be considered an exhaustive overview of all relevant laws in each jurisdiction. On the contrary, it is only intended to alert travelers to problems they may encounter in certain states. CALIFORNIA — Warning: California has extensive state and local regulatory systems for firearms and ammunition. With a few exceptions, California law generally prohibits the transportation or carrying of handguns hidden in public (either in a vehicle or on one`s own person) and the carrying of loaded firearms. During transport, a firearm must usually be unloaded and locked in the trunk of the vehicle or in a container locked in the vehicle, with the exception of the supply or glove box. Permits to carry concealed or loaded firearms are often difficult to obtain, especially in urban areas.
The importation of so-called “assault” weapons, .50 BMG rifles and magazines containing more than ten rounds of ammunition is highly regulated and generally prohibited. Possession of an “assault weapon” or a .50 BMG rifle is prohibited unless the firearm is registered. In addition, registered “assault weapons” or .50 BMG rifles may only be transported to and from certain locations for certain purposes. A person moving to California must first prove a “good reason” to obtain a license to bring these firearms into the state. Permits are rarely issued, except for police or entertainment productions. The general prohibitions on the importation and possession of .50 BMG “assault weapons” and rifles do not apply to non-residents who come to California to attend authorized sporting events at authorized venues. Each of these activities requires prior approval from the California Department of Justice in Sacramento. For more information, contact the Department of Justice`s Office of Firearms at (916) 263-4887 or www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/.CONNECTICUT – A licence is required to carry a handgun in a vehicle. A non-resident may transport a handgun to or through the state to change residency or participate in a gun contest, “formal” training, or collector`s show, if the person is a U.S. resident. and has “the right to possess and carry a pistol or revolver in the state or subdivision of the United States where that person resides.” In all cases, the handgun must be unloaded and not be easily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
If the vehicle does not have a separate area of the passenger compartment, the firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. A special permit is required to possess an “offensive weapon,” a term defined to include any selective firearm that can perform fully automatic, semi-automatic, or burst shots at the user`s choice, or one of more than five dozen specified semi-automatics. Connecticut law specifically includes FOPA protection for those who transport firearms through the state. Contact the Connecticut State Police Special Firearms Licensing Unit for more information at (860) 685-8290.HAWAII – Registration of all firearms with the county police chief is required within 72 hours of arrival on the islands. Rifles or shotguns may be transported for target shooting in a shooting range or for hunting, provided they are unloaded and disguised or securely packed. If they are transported for hunting, a valid state hunting license must be obtained. The transport of handguns is limited to the place of stay or between the place of stay and a target area or on the way to or from a hunting area.