FLORIDA FIREARMS – Law, Use & Ownership

A question came up that is covered in the book, but perhaps not that clearly.  The question was whether a citizen who resides in another state and visits Florida can borrow a firearm from a friend while here in Florida?

The answer is both yes and no, and is totally controlled by federal law.  Federal law says a citizen from another state can borrow a firearm on a temporary basis if it is for “sporting purposes”.  That would include target shooting and events, hunting, and whatever else might fall into “sporting events”.  However,  it would NOT come under “self defense”.  So, it depends on the purpose of the temporary loan.  Of course,  if you had the firearm in your possession for “sporting purposes” and a self defense situation arose — you’d still be legal.  Anyway,  the next paragraphs show the federal law applicable from 18 USC 922:

“It shall be unlawful: (5) for any person (other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector) to transfer, sell, trade, give, transport, or deliver any firearm to any person (other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector) who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe does not reside in (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which the transferor resides; except that this paragraph shall not apply to
(A) the transfer, transportation, or delivery of a firearm made to carry out a bequest of a firearm to, or an acquisition by intestate succession of a firearm by, a person who is permitted to acquire or possess a firearm under the laws of the State of his residence, and

(B) the loan or rental of a firearm to any person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes;

(9) for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, who does not reside in any State to receive any firearms unless such receipt is for lawful sporting purposes.

Hope that clears it up for you!