This story is one that a lot of people don’t like discussing, but the information is helpful (if the need is there)!
I was watching a website hosted by “MGL” (Manasota Gun Lawyer) on Youtube, that was both entertaining AND informative!
The man was discussing five basic points to be known if you will be carrying a firearm in your car or on your person.
It would be a good thing to watch this video if you are unsure of the laws (regarding our Florida Firearms statutes). The video title is “Top 5 MOST Important Gun Laws In Florida.” The man gives the law descriptions going from #5 (of lower priority) to the #1 most important law statute pertaining to this subject.
His #5 is; S.# Fl. 790.06. He states that Florida actually DOES NOT HAVE a “Constitutional Carry” law. He says that the law closest to this subject is that it is a “PERMITLESS Carry” statute. He says that you can still conceal carry, but you don’t need the little card. A big point he states is that YOU MUST BE ELIGIBLE (and MUST NOT be a felon).
The #4 issue spoken of is that WE do not HAVE “Open Carry” in Florida! The statute he cites here is “S-790.053,” and it pertains to ANY FIREARM OR ELECTRIC DEVICE. I am not sure (exactly) of this, but it sounds like they may be referring to a type of Tazer (self-defense) weapon. He says that statute 790.25(3) allows for carrying your weapon to places like hunting, sport and target practice facilities, camping and even fishing (either going to or coming from). He also states that many people will toss a fishing pole in their vehicle to make it appear that they are in line with the fishing exemption. He says that this “ploy” may or may not work in all cases (and a lot of that depends on how the detaining officer “feels about your story!”
(Point #3) is “S – 790.25 (4)(a), The firearm MUST NOT BE transported by a felon! It must be not easily accessible (like under the car seat or on the dashboard). It must also be in a container that requires a “middle action” to gain access. This can be a closed glove box (where the process requires pushing a latch.) The firearm can also go into a center console, where you have an opening procedure or a zipped case (that IS in the closed mode)! You may also use a holster with a secure button-down strap. He cited another statute (# 790.001(14)(15) – that speaks to the weapon being able to be loaded and chambered (on safety mode).
(Point #2) S-776.012 – He speaks to the all-important “Stand your ground” law. He says that there is a change in the statute where if you are on, for example, a public sidewalk AND YOU ARE THERE IN A LAWFUL ACTIVITY (i.e., not selling drugs), if a dangerous condition arises, you DO NOT have to turn and run, you then CAN stand your ground!
(Point #1) He says that this also falls into the statute category of “S-776.012.” That is if you are forced into the defense of a person facing imminent harm (or risk of death) or if there is a great chance that you will need to prevent a felony crime (such as murder, rape, or carjacking).
Now, I am NOT A LEGAL advisor and have never intended (or pretended) to be. THIS IS ONLY my opinion and should be taken as such! (Consider it to be helpful entertainment!) As, I would ask you to please watch that video or better yet, do some reading on the most up-to-date statutes and ordinances at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/.
Carrying a weapon should not be a pleasurable thing, as there are a lot of RESPONSIBILITIES that come with these allowances! But I MUST ASSUME that if you have read through this story, you already have some instilled sense of decency and moral responsibility! (I just had to slip that in!)
Y’all be safe and be blessed, until next time!
Steve Goodwin is a recently retired Christian conservative veteran (of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division), who still feels that “duty to country” did not end when the military uniform got hung up. He and his wife Cecelia live on the edge of a beautifully wooded tract of land just south of the bypass, and are involved in not only church activities, but also attend school board meetings and local community action events as well.
