I’m 19 and living in an apartment in a sketchy area in Florida. From what I’ve read, I’m too young to buy a firearm here.
I plan to set up cameras, motion lights, and other security measures, but I’d feel a lot safer having a ranged weapon in case things get confrontational. Since I can’t own a gun, does anyone have suggestions for alternatives or know if I’m misunderstanding Florida’s laws? Appreciate any advice.
I think you can buy a long gun at 19.
Sky said:
I think you can buy a long gun at 19.
Not in Florida since Parkland. You can own one at 18, but you can’t purchase until 21.
Sky said:
I think you can buy a long gun at 19.
Not in Florida since Parkland. You can own one at 18, but you can’t purchase until 21.
Wow, I didn’t expect Florida to have a law like that.
@Ash
Florida’s gun laws are a weird mix. It used to be you had to know every county’s rules until preemption passed in 2011. Now, it’s all over the place, with some very pro-gun and some restrictive areas.
Get a Mossberg 590.
Weston said:
Get a Mossberg 590.
If that’s too pricey, a Maverick 88 is a solid, affordable shotgun. Costs less than $200 and is very reliable.
Weston said:
Get a Mossberg 590.
OP is too young to buy a shotgun in Florida.
Couldn’t someone gift it to him?
Here’s what I found: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.17.html
You can’t buy a handgun until 21, but you can possess one at 18. Long guns have different rules though.
@Shae
From what I’ve read, Florida raised the age to buy a long gun to 21 in 2018, but you can own one at 18 as long as it’s unloaded. Am I understanding that correctly?
Mackenzie said:
@Shae
From what I’ve read, Florida raised the age to buy a long gun to 21 in 2018, but you can own one at 18 as long as it’s unloaded. Am I understanding that correctly?
That’s my understanding as well. Private sales might be an option. You’ll want to use specific legal terms when researching.
@Shae
Yep, this 
.
You can look into Byrna less-lethal options. They’re not considered firearms and can be shipped to your door. If you want a firearm, someone can gift one to you legally, but you can’t pay them back—it has to be a true gift.
@Zara
Thanks, that’s very helpful.
Grab some high-quality pepper spray and maybe a decent shotgun if you can find a way to own one legally.
If you can’t get a firearm, consider alternatives like a crossbow, blow dart gun, or pepper spray. Some black powder guns might also be legal since they’re not classified as firearms in certain states.
But honestly, if someone’s armed, just let them take your stuff. Your life is worth more than your possessions.
You can’t buy a handgun, but long guns are fine if you’re not a felon. Get a shotgun or an AR and look up home defense ammo options.
Get a dog.
Kiran said:
Get a dog.
And if you want a ranged weapon, make it a small dog.
If private sales are allowed, get a Maverick 88. They’re around $100 and reliable. Just make sure to practice using it. A gun is a tool, not a magic charm.