A Suggested Fix for Problems with the Self Defense Statutes in Florida Chapter 776 of the Florida Statutes covers the self defense area in Florida. It has several major shortcomings caused by drafting errors in a 2014 amendments to the chapter, and one major problem that the Legislature overlooked, and has never really addressed. My …
Florida Statute 790.053 prohibits open carry of firearms and certain other weapons. Florida Statute 790.25(3) makes certain exceptions to allow both open and concealed carry – but incredibly — even with permission — it is not generally legal to carry on private property, even with the permission of the property owner. Sure — it’s OK …
Why we need Stand Your Ground – And Why the “Retreat Rule” is Unworkable. by Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq. On August 29, 2018, around 2:20 in the morning, Jason Boek, in a Ford 150 truck pulled up close behind, then beside Uber driver Robert Westlake’s vehicle, and then quickly accelerated past him, cut directly in …
May a Gun Club Member Open Carry at a Gun Club Meeting? By Jon Gutmacher Florida gun laws can be tricky. I received what is an interesting email regarding what any normal person would think would be legal. The question involved a gun club that meets in their HOA community clubhouse (with permission). The club …
The Clearwater Convenience Store Tragedy – and Stand Your Ground by Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq. – author of the book, Florida Firearms. On July 20, 2018, in the parking lot of a convenience store in Clearwater, Florida, Michael Drejka, a white man, confronted, and verbally berated an African American woman who’s vehicle was unlawfully parked …
The following post is a legal article that explains the history and current meaning of F.S. 790.25. It is more for lawyers and judges than lay readers, but if you have an interest please feel free to take a look. However, it is copyrighted by me, and took over two months and sixty hours of …
The end of Bump stocks in Florida . . . and a few other unexpected things: As of October 1, 2018, the possession of bump stocks in Florida is a felony! Yeah, you heard it right – a felony! The honors for this royal screw job go to incoming Senate President Bill Galvano and incoming …
OPEN CARRY under the exceptions in F.S. 790.25 — to or from the range: By Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq. We all know you can “open carry” when going to or from a range or other lawful shooting area for lawful shooting purposes. F.S. 790.25 — But, could you be arrested for such, even though it’s …