new to CCW in Florida

F

funinsun

New member
I have been carrying for only a week now in Florida after moving here in Jan. (applied before I moved). I carry a full size H&K USP 40 in Galco concealable under light shirt and conceals well. Alot of the laws seem like double speak, can any fellow Floridians give me good advice on everyday laws etc. I know no P.O. visits, and okay to go into , say a Chili's but not a "Bar". Unclear on Banks. Also how does local LE react towards your carry under traffic stop conditions?? If I am in doubt about a law, I just don't carry the gun in. As I am new I feel EVERYBODY knows I carry. ALso my wive HATES it, and recently she saw that I was carry just ONE mag in my pocket, and she made it clear to me that I was now going "overboard" and "was I going to war????" She does not even want to discuss the matter and thinks that I am just "playing" around when I carry.

I live in Miami.. Thanks!!!!!!!!
 
Okay, let me try to help, with the proviso that I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV. Any place where you are prohibited by federal law from carrying is obviously out...post office, sterile area of an airport, etc...
Also forbidden are sporting events, schools (including universities), polling places (ie where you vote) and any meeting of any government body.
You can also, as you say, carry into an establishment that serves alcohol as long as it is not PRIMARILY a bar and as long as you are not in the bar portion of it. eg, you can go to Chilis, but you can't sit at the bar. You also obviously can't have blood alcohol over the legal limit to drive while carrying.
Banks are fine...there is no state or federal law prohibiting licensed concealed carry in a bank, no matter what some may say.
As for being pulled over, unless the officer asks you to step out of your car for some reason, I simply wouldn't mention it. He doesn't need to know unless he wants you to get out of the car.
 
I also live in South Florida and have been carrying for about three years. Even if your wife isn't too happy with your decision to carry, I heartily support it! (But no, I won't marry you! ;)) Let's face it, most of South Florida is not very safe. Especially areas in and around the larger cities like Miami. As for feeling like everyone is looking at you, you'll get used to carrying, but you'll always feel "different" because of it. I'm surprised at how much my life has changed since I started carrying. Lots of little changes, but they add up. I haven't been stopped while carrying yet, but I plan on handing my license and carry permit together to the officer (while keeping my hands on the wheel).

The state has some pretty good info posted at their website at: http://licgweb.dos.state.fl.us/weapons/index.html

They have a very good brochure at that site that outlines much of what you ask at: http://licgweb.dos.state.fl.us/weapons/self_defense.html

I hope this helps,
Gino
 
RikWriter pretty much nailed it, but do visit the referenced website for the 'skinny'

Florida is fairly liberal as compared to some states...for instance, we have no 30.06 laws, so any business that posts a 'No Weapons Allowed' sign has no legal basis for doing so, AFAIK. Banks are not on the 'forbidden' list...just another business.
 
I'm ex-leo there myself, from Ft. Liquordale(he-he). We always appreciated being informed up front regarding your CCW on a stop. I don't believe there was a legal "requirement" for you to do so, though that may have changed. Common sense would behoove you to declare it prior to exiting your car. You can imagine the ofc.'s "pucker factor" at seeing the sea breeze blow open your concealing garment! Then there's the thought:"Why did he not tell me this from the get-go?", and the numerous following "ramifications". But that is your choice to make. :)

I appreciated the Bar/Restaurant criterion in the law that distinguished between the two establishments. I wish that AZ law would reflect the same sensibility, but, alas. Rik pretty much told you like it is on the other accounts.
 
The others have pretty much nailed the points. The one time I have seen a bank with a "no weapons" sign posted it was a credit union. Most tellers probably appreciate the fact that some patrons will step up to the plate as it were. I heard a story about an attempted bank robbery in Coral Gables several years ago that ended when the man in line behind the robber shot the robber right through the back of the head. Zero recidivism there.

The feeling that everyone is staring at you is normal. Just make sure they really can't see the gun. In Florida concealed means concealed. If the wind blows up you shirt tail you could theoretically have a problem.

You got here in January. By August you will probably have purchased a smaller gun that you can carry in a trouser pocket. Most of us here in Florida do. I recommend pleated pants with deep pockets and a quality pocket holster. Nothing over twenty ounces if you can help it. Good luck and good carrying!
 
Get a Makarov for summer carry, you'll be glad you did.

For good information on the web check out:
http://licgweb.dos.state.fl.us/weapons/index.html and www.magicnet.net/~flynn/fla-gun.html

Get a copy of Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq., _Florida Firearms, Law, Use and Ownership_ This is the authority on laws and regulations written in plain English. Best money I ever spent. You can get it from:

Warlord Publishing
Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq. 200 N. Thornton Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 650-0770


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So many pistols, so little money.
 
For what it's worth, I have it direct from the Legal Counsel of the Volusia County, FL Sheriff's Dept. that there is no legal requirement to inform an officer that you are carrying concealed (at a traffic stop or whatever). She did say that it was advisable and prudent. You never know how an LEO is going to react if he just happens to see a weapon.

I e-mailed this question to the Sheriff because it was not clear on the State web site quoted above. The other info on the site is straightforward, so check it out.


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Dave
Deep in the Florida Swamps
 
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