Florida Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Florida does not require background checks for private firearm sales between residents. The state adopted permitless carry in 2023, allowing persons 21 and older to carry concealed without a permit. There is no firearm registration requirement and no permit to purchase.
When purchasing from a dealer, Florida imposes a mandatory 3-day waiting period (which can be waived with a concealed weapons permit). This waiting period does not apply to private sales. All dealer sales require a background check through FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement).
Florida does not have an assault weapons ban or magazine capacity restrictions. The state raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm from a dealer to 21 after the Parkland shooting in 2018 (the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act). Florida also has a red flag law and a strong stand-your-ground statute.
No
Private sale BG check
3 days (handguns and long guns from dealers; no wait for private sales)
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
Florida Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Florida:
Important: Federal Law Still Applies
Even though Florida does not require background checks for private sales, federal law still prohibits selling a firearm to anyone you know or reasonably believe is a prohibited person. This includes convicted felons, domestic violence offenders, and unlawful drug users. Violations carry up to 10 years in federal prison.
Seller Requirements
- Verify Residency: Both parties must be Florida residents for a legal private sale
- Age Verification: Buyer must be at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns
- Bill of Sale: Complete a bill of sale documenting the firearm's serial number, make, model, and both parties' information
- No Prohibited Buyers: Do not sell to anyone you know or suspect is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law
Buyer Requirements
- Florida Residency: Must be a current Florida resident with valid state ID
- Not Prohibited: Must not be a prohibited person under federal or state law
- Retain Bill of Sale: Keep your copy as proof of legal purchase and ownership
How to Fill Out a Florida Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Florida firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Florida and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Florida mailing address, date of birth, and government-issued ID number (driver's license or state ID). This information is critical for establishing a clear chain of custody for the firearm.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current Florida address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Florida resident — selling to an out-of-state resident in a private sale is a federal crime.
Describe the Firearm
Record the firearm's make (manufacturer), model, serial number, caliber or gauge, type (handgun, rifle, shotgun), barrel length, and finish/color. The serial number is the most important identifier — verify it matches the physical firearm exactly.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method. If the firearm is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." If a trade, describe the items exchanged.
Include Eligibility Statement
The buyer should sign a statement affirming they are legally eligible to purchase and possess firearms under both federal and Florida law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Florida.
Sign, Date, and Keep Copies
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Keep your copy indefinitely as there is no statute of limitations on ATF firearm traces.
Florida Firearm Transfer Process
While Florida does not require background checks for private sales, following a structured process protects both parties:
Verify Both Parties' Eligibility
Check IDs to confirm both parties are Florida residents and of legal age. The seller should have no reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person.
Meet in a Safe Location
Conduct the transaction in a public place, such as a police station parking lot or gun range. Many Florida police departments offer safe transaction zones.
Complete and Sign the Bill of Sale
Fill in all fields including the serial number, both parties' information, and the sale price. Both parties sign and date.
Exchange Payment and Firearm
Complete the payment and transfer the firearm. Each party keeps their signed copy of the bill of sale.
Store Your Records Securely
Keep your copy of the bill of sale in a safe place indefinitely. This is your proof of legal transfer if the firearm is ever traced.
Florida Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Florida:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check | Not required for private sales |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Carry Permit | Optional — available for reciprocity |
Sample Florida Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Florida-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Florida and federal law.
STATE OF FLORIDA
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Florida Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Florida Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
FIREARM INFORMATION
Make: [Manufacturer] Model: [Model]
Serial #: [Serial Number]
Caliber: [Cal/Gauge] Type: [Handgun/Rifle/Shotgun]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Florida Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Florida firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Florida Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Florida firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Florida Department of Agriculture — Concealed Weapons
Florida concealed weapon licenses and regulations
FDLE — Firearm Purchase Program
Florida background check system for firearm purchases
ATF — Federal Firearms Information
Federal firearm regulations
Florida Legislature — Weapons and Firearms
Florida firearms statutes
Other Florida Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Florida? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Florida Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Florida Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Florida Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Florida General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Florida ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Florida Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Florida Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Florida Firearm Bill of Sale
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