How to Sell a Gun in Florida Legally: Complete 2024 Guide
If you're a Florida gun owner looking to sell a firearm, you have several options available. In 2023 alone, over 3,500 Florida gun owners contacted us for assistance with selling their guns, and as experts, we'll help you navigate the process in this article.
As America's largest national gun buyer, and also being headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, our team has deep knowledge of Florida's specific laws and requirements surrounding private gun sales.
Where to Sell a Gun in Florida
You have a few main options when it comes to selling your firearm in Florida. Let's dive into the pros and cons of each
Cash For Arms (or other national gun buyers)
As America’s largest national gun buyer, Cash for Arms offers a streamlined process for selling your firearms in Florida. In 2023 alone, we purchased firearms from 212 different cities and towns in Florida, and selling to us is legal in every city in Florida With our extensive experience and radical commitment to client satisfaction, we provide a convenient, secure, and legal solution for Floridians to get top-dollar for their guns.
Benefits
Fast, Hassle-Free Process
Get a competitive offer within hours - no lengthy negotiations required, and best of all… no waiting days for an offer!
Free Shipping
We make it easy with free prepaid labels – think of it like an Amazon return for your firearm.
Convenient At-Home Selling
Schedule a complimentary pickup from the comfort of your home, or drop off your packaged firearm at a FedEx location.
Same-Day Payment
Choose from various instant or next-day payment methods for quick access to your funds.
- Zelle Instant Payment
- Next-Day Direct Deposit
- Printed Check
- Mailed Check via USPS
Safe And Legal
Cash for Arms is federally licensed through the ATF and holds a valid FFL.
Trusted Reputation
As America's largest national gun buyer, we're committed to delivering as promised. We maintain an A+ rating with the BBB, and, not to brag, our customers say really great things about us in our reviews.
Drawbacks:
Packing Responsibility
You'll need to securely pack your firearm for shipping to ensure it arrives safely.
Shipping Wait Time
Unless you're near us and want to drop-off locally, you'll need to account for shipping time.
Offer Reflects Convenience
Since we take the hardest parts out of selling and provide this free FFL service, the offer you receive may be less than what you feel like you could sell for privately. With that said, many clients report our offers as being much higher than other options they’ve tried.
Ready to get paid?
Discover how to sell your gun in Florida effortlessly. Get a quick offer online without leaving your home. Click 'Sell My Gun' now for a hassle-free experience.
Selling Privately
For those willing to invest more time and effort, selling your firearm privately may yield a higher price (not always true). However, it's crucial to carefully consider the potential drawbacks, such as the need to find a qualified buyer, manage the transaction responsibly, and ensure compliance with all Federal and Florida gun laws.
Benefits:
Potential For Higher Price
You might get more by selling directly to a buyer, but it depends on finding the right one.
You Could Meet A New Friend…Maybe
While it can be a mixed bag, interacting with a private buyer may land you a new buddy, which can be exciting in such a digital world.
Drawbacks:
Time And Effort
Finding a buyer and arranging a meeting takes work.
Limited Advertising
Your options for reaching buyers are restricted. Since selling guns on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is not allowed, you are left with a smaller set of sites like ArmsList or firearms forums.
In-Person Meetings
You'll need to coordinate and meet up with the buyer, or pack it up and ship it to their FFL.
Responsibility And Risk
Ensuring the buyer is legally eligible and managing the transaction yourself carries some risk.
Local Gun Shop or Pawn Shop
If you prefer an in-person transaction and immediate payment, selling to a local gun shop or pawn shop might be an option. Always research local shops and their reputation, and consider calling ahead for a preliminary quote to ensure a worthwhile visit.
Benefits:
Fast Payment
Get paid on the spot.
No Shipping
Avoid the hassle of packaging and shipping the firearm.
Drawbacks:
Lower Offers
Customers consistently tell us they end up with much lower offers from their local gun store. You'll likely get a better price selling another way.
Limited Reach
You're restricted to buyers in your immediate area.
In-Person Haggling
Driving around to get offers and negotiate can be time-consuming.
Lengthy Consignments
Many stores end up offering consignments, which can drag on and on and result in a disappointing payout.
Online Auction Sites
Online auction platforms like GunBroker provide access to a wider pool of potential buyers nationwide. While this may help you get closer to market value in some cases, be prepared to spend time learning their platform, pay for associated fees, experience longer timelines, and shoulder the responsibility of managing the auction and the shipping process.
Benefits:
Larger Buyer Pool
Access more potential buyers nationwide.
Potentially Closer To Market Value
You might get a decent price with the right auction setup. However, we see private sellers often sell at a discount due to an absent reputation, and the inability to accept credit card payments on online platforms.
Drawbacks:
Uncertain Results
There's no guarantee you'll get close to your desired price.
Fees
Listing and final value fees will eat into your profits.
Longer Timeline
Completing the sale and arranging shipping can take longer.
Shipping Responsibility
You'll need to safely package and ship the gun to the buyer's FFL.
Risk of non-paying bidders
There's always a chance of dealing with unreliable buyers.
To sum up, selling to a national buyer offers speed and convenience, a local shop gives fast payment, private sales may yield a higher price but take more work, and online auctions open up more potential buyers but have fees and take longer. The best choice depends on your priorities.
Now, let’s get into the things to pay attention to in Florida if you do decide to sell privately.
Sell your guns easily!
Cash for Arms will do the heavy lifting for you, and make you a market-based, no obligation cash offer for your guns.
Age Requirements
The minimum age to purchase a gun in Florida is 21. This applies to both long guns and handguns. Up until March 9th, 2018, you could buy long guns in Florida at age 18 which changed to 21 due to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.
Ineligible Persons
An ineligible person in the context of firearm purchases refers to an individual who is legally prohibited from buying, owning, or possessing a firearm due to certain disqualifying factors.
Federal Disqualifying Factors
Federal law doesn’t allow people to buy guns if the person:
Has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
Is a fugitive
Is an illegal drug user or addicted to any controlled substance
Has been adjudicated mentally defective
Has been committed to any mental institution
Is not a legal US resident
Has been dishonorably discharged from the military
Has renounced their US citizenship
Has been convicted of a misdemeanor relating to domestic violence.
Is under a restraining order for harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or their child
Florida State Disqualifying Factors
Mental Health Reporting
Florida law requires mental health professionals to report individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others to law enforcement which can lead to the suspension of firearm ownership rights. If you decide to sell privately, something like this can be very challenging to confidently screen for, which is why we recommend facilitating transactions through a dealer when dealing with an unfamiliar party.
Background Checks
Neither Federal nor Florida State laws require you to conduct a background check for private sales. However, we recommend background checks to ensure a safe and legal transaction if you are dealing with someone that you don’t know personally. You can use websites like BeenVerified, Instant Checkmate, or TruthFinder to run background checks yourself. Alternatively, you can facilitate a gun sale with the help of a licensed dealer to ensure you are protected. While this normally comes with a gun transfer fee (which are generally between $35-$70 in Florida), it may be worth the added security for your private sale.
Waiting Periods
There is no mandatory waiting period in Florida for private sales. When buying a gun through a dealer, Florida has a mandatory 3-day waiting period, with some exceptions. However, this doesn’t apply to you as a private seller.
Identification Requirements
While buying a gun from a dealer in Florida requires a valid government-issued ID, there is no law requiring an ID for private sales for either the buyer or the seller. This is a common misconception that is not true. However, as a seller, we think it's a good idea to collect and document the buyer's ID to ensure a responsible transaction, should you decide to sell privately.
Local Ordinances
In Florida, there are no local ordinances that you have to be aware of when selling your guns. In fact, in 2023 the Florida Supreme Court upheld a state law that allows fines against local government officials who attempt to restrict gun and ammunition sales using local ordinances.
Documentation, Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements
Private gun sellers are not legally required to maintain records or report the sale in the state of Florida. However, it's still your responsibility to ensure you don't knowingly sell to people that aren’t legally allowed to buy guns.
To ensure a safe and compliant transaction, Cash for Arms recommends using a Florida Bill of Sale to document your transaction. You can record the buyer's driver's license information, firearm details including the serial number, and other relevant information to demonstrate due diligence and protect yourself should the ATF ever comes knocking.
As a Florida gun owner looking to sell your firearm, you have several options available. The best selling method depends on your individual priorities and circumstances. By understanding Florida's specific requirements and considering the benefits and drawbacks of each option, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a smooth, safe selling experience.
If you have any questions or need further assistance navigating the process of selling your gun in Florida, please reach out to us at support@cashforarms.com. Our team of firearm experts has a combined 78 years of firearms experience, spanning from law enforcement veterans to master gunsmiths, and we are here to help you make the process of selling guns in Florida easy, rewarding, and legal.
DISCLAIMER
The content presented on this website is intended for informational purposes only. CashForArms.com has made significant efforts in compiling, formulating, and ensuring high-quality information and materials. Nevertheless, we do not affirm or guarantee the complete accuracy, exhaustiveness, appropriateness, or timeliness of the information displayed on or linked to this website. Any reliance upon the information found on this website or through the associated links is done solely at the user’s discretion and risk. The information provided here does not amount to legal advice. We are not legal professionals specialized in firearm laws, and our content should not be taken as such. Users are fully responsible for adhering to the laws and regulations applicable to their local jurisdiction concerning the buying, selling, and possession of firearms.
Ready to get paid?
Discover how to sell your gun in Florida effortlessly. Get a quick offer online without leaving your home. Click 'Sell My Gun' now for a hassle-free experience.