Question on the Florida Parking Lot Law

[CAR-AR]

This came up tonight during a discussion on the Florida parking lot law. We normally target shoot at Knights Trail range which has a sign at the entrance that states no concealed weapons are allowed on the property. This seems to be in conflict with the parking lot law which I think would trump the the sign at the entrance.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dave

 

[The-Reaver]

I'm curious to hear some answers as well.

 

[Birch Knoll]

We normally target shoot at Knights Trail range which has a sign at the entrance that states no concealed weapons are allowed on the property. This seems to be in conflict with the parking lot law which I think would trump the the sign at the entrance.

So you can have the gun locked up in your vehicle, parked in the parking lot. No concealed weapons, otherwise. Not much of a conflict.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

In Florida it is lawful to have a firearm, loaded or unloaded, in a vehicle as long as it is securely encased and not ready for immediate use, such as in a snapped holster, a closed carrying case, or a glove compartment. Such activities do not require a concealed carry permit. Concealing a firearm in Florida generally means concealed on your person and accessible for immediate use.

Some additional points:

1.) You could conceal a weapon on your person on their property and not be in violation of state law. If they found out you were carrying, they could ask you to leave. If you did not leave at that point, you could be charged with armed trespass. Just because they have a sign up does not mean you are breaking the law.

2.) If any private property owner asks you to leave the property, whether carrying concealed or not, you could be charged with trespass.

3.) What is in your vehicle by lawful means is not the business of any private property owner except the owner of the vehicle, or in such cases where the vehicle is causing a nuisance to a private property owner.

4.) In cases where state firearms law conflicts with county, city, or local mandates, state law will have preemption over those laws. In Florida, it is solely the state that declares and regulates firearms related statutes.

5.) In Florida, firearms and concealed weapons laws are to be interpreted to be favorable towards lawful and peaceful carry. Unless you are clearly in violation of a state statute, no one is going to come after you for going about your business.

6.) Since you are not advertising the contents of your vehicle, it is a moot point.

Cheers,

-Triple T

 

[lemaymiami]

Tony has laid it all out in plain language... One thing, though, bears remembering in Florida... armed trespass is a felony. If you find yourself in any kind of dispute on someone else's property and you happen to be armed... Make a point of leaving without any disturbance whatsoever, if asked to do so (and you'd be smart to do so before it got to that point). If you want to engage in any conflict on someone else's property, etc. you must not be carrying since you might leave yourself open to that armed trespass law... and its consequences.

 

[CAR-AR]

Well that was what I was looking for. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

Lemaymiami makes a good point! Armed trespass is no joke, but know your personal rights. I'd like to add that most of my previous post is not applicable to someone previously convicted of a felony or otherwise unable to lawfully possess a firearm.