Are Bump Stocks Legal in Florida Now?
In the aftermath of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, the US government implemented a ban on bump stocks, a device that allows semi-automatic rifles to fire at a rate similar to fully automatic weapons. The ban, signed into law by President Trump in December 2018, effectively prohibited the possession, sale, and transfer of bump stocks.
However, the legality of bump stocks in Florida is more complex. While the federal ban is in place, the state of Florida has its own laws and regulations regarding bump stocks. In this article, we’ll explore the current legal status of bump stocks in Florida and provide guidance on how to comply with the law.
Are Bump Stocks Legal in Florida Now?
The Answer is No
In June 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 7026, which prohibited the possession, sale, and transfer of bump stocks in the state of Florida. The law took effect on July 1, 2019, making it illegal for residents and visitors to possess, sell, or transfer bump stocks in the state.
What is a Bump Stock?
A bump stock is a device that attaches to a semi-automatic rifle and allows the user to fire the weapon at a rate similar to a fully automatic weapon. The device uses the recoil energy from each shot to cycle the action and fire the next round, resulting in a rapid rate of fire.
Federal Law
Under federal law, bump stocks are illegal as of March 2019. The federal ban prohibits the possession, sale, and transfer of bump stocks, as well as any other device that can accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon.
Florida Law
Florida law prohibits the possession, sale, and transfer of bump stocks, as well as any other device that can accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon. The law also requires that any person who owns a bump stock before the effective date of the law must surrender the device to a law enforcement agency or dispose of it in a manner consistent with federal law.
Consequences of Violating the Law
Violating the bump stock ban in Florida can result in serious consequences, including:
- Fines: Up to $500 for a first-time offense
- Jail Time: Up to 5 years for a second or subsequent offense
- Criminal Mischief: Up to 1 year for any person who knowingly possesses, sells, or transfers a bump stock
How to Comply with the Law
If you own a bump stock in Florida, you must comply with the law by:
- Surrendering the device: To a law enforcement agency or
- Disposing of the device: In a manner consistent with federal law
Table: Complying with the Bump Stock Ban in Florida
| Action | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Surrendering the device | Must surrender the device to a law enforcement agency |
| Disposing of the device | Must dispose of the device in a manner consistent with federal law |
| Notification | Must notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement of the surrender or disposal |
Conclusion
In conclusion, bump stocks are illegal in Florida, effective July 1, 2019. The law prohibits the possession, sale, and transfer of bump stocks, as well as any other device that can accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon. If you own a bump stock in Florida, you must comply with the law by surrendering the device to a law enforcement agency or disposing of it in a manner consistent with federal law.
Important Note
It is important to note that the legality of bump stocks in Florida is subject to change. Residents and visitors should always check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information on the law and regulations regarding bump stocks.
