Florida Senate - 2023                                    SB 1602
       
       
        
       By Senator Rouson
       
       
       
       
       
       16-00479B-23                                          20231602__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to storage of firearms in private
    3         conveyances and vessels; amending s. 790.25, F.S.;
    4         prohibiting the storage of firearms in unoccupied
    5         private conveyances and vessels unless done in a
    6         specified manner; providing definitions; requiring
    7         local law enforcement agencies to engage in a certain
    8         promotional campaign; providing a finding of important
    9         state interest; providing an effective date.
   10          
   11  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   12  
   13         Section 1. Subsection (5) of section 790.25, Florida
   14  Statutes, is amended to read:
   15         790.25 Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms
   16  and other weapons.—
   17         (5) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—
   18         (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), notwithstanding
   19  subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01
   20  for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed
   21  firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose
   22  within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license,
   23  if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is
   24  otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing in
   25  this paragraph herein contained prohibits the carrying of a
   26  legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private
   27  conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use.
   28  Nothing in this paragraph herein contained shall be construed to
   29  authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on
   30  the person. This paragraph subsection shall be liberally
   31  construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession
   32  of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as
   33  provided in s. 776.012.
   34         (b)1. A person may not store a firearm, loaded or unloaded,
   35  in an unoccupied, unsecured private conveyance or vessel unless
   36  the firearm is kept from ordinary observation and view and
   37  locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another locked
   38  container or secured with a device or mechanism that is securely
   39  affixed to the private conveyance or vessel.
   40         2. As used in subparagraph 1., the term:
   41         a. “Private conveyance” includes any motor vehicle as
   42  defined in s. 790.251(2)(b) other than a public conveyance.
   43         b. “Unsecured” means a private conveyance interior or
   44  vessel interior that is unlocked or otherwise left open to
   45  entry.
   46         c. “Vessel” has the same meaning as provided in s. 327.02.
   47         3. Each law enforcement agency shall engage in a
   48  promotional campaign to educate the public and gun owners of the
   49  requirements of subparagraph 1. and that with gun ownership
   50  comes responsibility.
   51         Section 2. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide
   52  for the most efficient and effective deterrent to juvenile theft
   53  of firearms from vessels and conveyances, tailored to local
   54  conditions and resources. Therefore, the Legislature determines
   55  and declares that the provisions of this act fulfill an
   56  important state interest.
   57         Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.