Carry at NASCAR event in Florida

Packman · Jan 28, 2011

I'll be attending the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway tomorrow night.

I would like to know if I can carry there. I looked up the statute, and looked in Gutmacher's book, and the only thing I see that would be applicable is the ban on carry at "athletic events." Is NASCAR considered to be an athletic event, and thus, a prohibited place?

I've never been to a race before, so, if it is legal, are there security protocols in place that would stop me anyway? Metal detectors, primarily. It'll be on my person, under my jacket, so a bag search is of no concern. For the record, I don't drink, so I'll be abstaining from the idiocy that is occasionally associated with the sport.

Thanks guys.

brboyer · Jan 29, 2011

Not legal, IMO. - Professional athletic event.

gearchecker · Jan 29, 2011

It is a Sporting Event and it's illegal to carry there. Don't get caught with a loaded gun in your car on the Daytona Speedway grounds either. It's all considered one location, one event. You can have the gun in your car, but concealed, only if you are a concealed pistol permit holder.
I have family in Daytona and a nephew that races the lower level sports cars and truck down there & New Smyrna Beach. I asked them the same question a few years back and got the same responses your getting here.
It's very safe on the speedway gorunds. You have very little to be concerned about. Go, have a blast and come back sober & safe.
The atmosphere at the track is almost like a first class amusement park. Set down your cooler, go for an all day walk, come back to your spot, and everythings still there.

legion3 · Jan 29, 2011

It is a Sporting Event and it's illegal to carry there.

^^^^^^^This^^^^^^

brboyer · Jan 29, 2011

gearchecker said:
It is a Sporting Event and it's illegal to carry there. Don't get caught with a loaded gun in your car on the Daytona Speedway grounds either. It's all considered one location, one event. You can have the gun in your car, but concealed, only if you are a concealed pistol permit holder.
I have family in Daytona and a nephew that races the lower level sports cars and truck down there & New Smyrna Beach. I asked them the same question a few years back and got the same responses your getting here.
It's very safe on the speedway gorunds. You have very little to be concerned about. Go, have a blast and come back sober & safe.
The atmosphere at the track is almost like a first class amusement park. Set down your cooler, go for an all day walk, come back to your spot, and everythings still there.

Just for clarity: The law says nothing about "Sporting Events", it's "Athletic Events".

Don't get caught with a loaded gun in your car on the Daytona Speedway grounds either. It's all considered one location, one event. You can have the gun in your car, but concealed, only if you are a concealed pistol permit holder.

Incorrect.
The law (790.06) prohibits CWFL holders from carry "into" the event, not in the parking lot outside. Even if it did, 790.25(5) overrides it and allows 'carry' in one's car glove-box, center console, etc. whether one has a CWFL or not.

Your comment appears to be an attempt to explain the provisions of 790.251, but the aspects of that statute that apply to guests/visitors was ruled unconstitutional back in '08.
Plus it has nothing at all to do with the legality of keeping a gun in one's car - it was simply an attempt (a very poorly written one at that) to prevent private property owners (mostly employers) from prohibiting guns in cars in their parking lots. Or for employers to terminate or otherwise hassle an employee for having a gun in the car.

TH3180 · Jan 29, 2011

Why don't you call the speedway 386-254-2700? It's not a NASCAR event, the speedway runs the thing.

brboyer · Jan 29, 2011

TH3180 said:
Why don't you call the speedway 386-254-2700? It's not a NASCAR event, the speedway runs the thing.

Which is irrelevant with respect to the law.

TH3180 · Jan 29, 2011

brboyer said:
Which is irrelevant with respect to the law.

Sorry I thought it was a signage deal like Minnesota. I was just trying to help. I will stay out of it.

brboyer · Jan 29, 2011

TH3180 said:
Sorry I thought it was a signage deal like Minnesota. I was just trying to help. I will stay out of it.

No problem. Signs mean squat here in Florida, as it should be.

Packman · Jan 30, 2011

Well, I've been and gone now. I chose not to carry, as I wasn't real sure as to how legal it was. I'm confident of my concealment, but in an environment where cops are everywhere, I wasn't feeling like risking it.

Like others have said, it was a very calm atmosphere. Obviously, by my post time, I went in the middle of the night, but it was nice. Not a lot of people around, and the majority of them had earplugs in (like me) and were off in their own little "bubble". Respectable police presence, very laid back. Plenty of alcohol, sure, but no one being idiots.

No security that would have prohibited me from carrying, I just chose not to as I don't know whether NASCAR would be considered an "athletic" event.s

Carry at NASCAR event in Florida

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