Florida Private Sale & Stopped by LEO?

[InKind]

Hello all.

I had a curious question that relates to private sales in Florida. I am well versed on the carry and transport laws thanks greatly in part to this site ( along with FL statutes ) but have a curious question. I purchased a pistol from a friend face to face all well and good. He originally purchased it from a local FFL. We haven't done a FFL transfer yet and I haven't read anywhere where it's necessary. We are good friends and I know the weapon's history. If I am driving and stopped, inform the LEO that I have the pistol do I need to show sale papers without a FFL transfer? He gave me the original purchase paperwork and we wrote up a quick sale doc as well. Could there be an issue there? I was wondering how big of a deal it was. TIA.

 

[kingpin008]

You don't need to show sales papers, period. I've never heard of a situation where you'd need to do so. if FTF sales are legal in your area (and if he asks about the gun) just let him know it was a FTF sale, and be done with it. I suppose it might make sense to show him the bill of sale if he really wanted to, but it's certainly not a requirement.

 

[Old Fuff]

I don't think you'd have an issue if the handgun is discovered during a traffic stop. All the officer is likely to do is take the gun long enough to check the serial number through his car radio or computer to see if it's listed as stolen.

In the unlikely event that it was, there would be an investigation and then you'd need to produce your bill of sale.

The above presumes that you were legally carrying or transporting the gun in the first place.

If you are worried about it, carry a photo-copy of the bill of sale in your glove box.

 

[Deus Machina]

Everyone above is spot on. If you're legally allowed to buy a gun, you're golden. Have a nice day, congrats on a good buy.

But, as with everything, keep the paperwork. No need to keep it with the gun--a folder in your filing cabinet is great.

You have absolutely no need to show it to anyone, but I always keep paperwork just because, if all is as it should be, it's just sitting in the drawer.

 

[Zach S]

If you use it in defense, you may have to show proof of ownership to claim it after the legal proceedings, but there's no need to keep proof of ownership with the gun.

 

[MedWheeler]

The difference was that they were not in Florida... that they have that mayor.

 

[Zach S]

Tell that to the thousands of New Orleans residents who still don't have their guns back.

I started to bring that up, but considering the OP is in FL I didnt feel it was needed to bash NOLA residents and the idiotic public officials they re-elect.

It gets boring after a while.

 

[Byron Quick]

I'm not familiar with Florida statutes. But here in Georgia I've never been asked for any proof of purchase. Even on a full auto weapon. I have had a cop run all the serial numbers of the weapons in the vehicle but he didn't get a hit.

In 1998, I was arrested for carrying without permission. The three guns on me and in my vehicle were placed in police custody. When the charges were nol prossed, I went to the property room to retrieve my property. All I had to do was give them was my ID card that matched their records and the paperwork that the charges were dropped. I suppose that they were satisfied with the serial number check that the guns were mine.

 

[InKind]

Thanks to all for the replies. As usual, helpful information. I have other stuff from places like gander with my name on the original paperwork. No worries there. I just wasn't sure about this one, second hand and all. As mentioned, I have the original purchase paperwork, and bill of sale to me as well so I guess it's all good. I have a better safe than sorry mentality - and sorry isn't in the playbook.

 

[Guns and more]

Put the receipt in the safe for when you sell it. You are not required to prove anything on the spot.
Now, could a overzealous LEO take your gun? Sure, just like he could take it (illegally) if you bought it in a gunshop.
He could take your spare tire, or your chewing gum too.
Just hope any LEO who stops you knows the law. That's all you can do.