How to Obtain an FFL in Florida

Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must comply with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations, so the process to get an FFL in Florida will be similar to many other states. This federal oversight creates a standardized application framework that applies across all 50 states, ensuring consistent regulations for firearms dealers, manufacturers, and importers nationwide. However, state and local requirements can impact certain requirements for a Florida resident interested in becoming an FFL.

Federal Requirements for an FFL

FFL applicants must complete ATF Form 7, which can be used for all FFL license types. The form requires demographic, business, and personal information. All applicants must make sure they meet the basic requirements under federal law: 

• Be at least 21 years of age and a US Citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be legally permitted to possess firearms and ammunition (no felony convictions, controlled substance abuse, or disqualifying mental health issues)
• Have a predetermined physical location for conducting your FFL activities
• No violations of the Gun Control Act or other firearms-based regulations
• Fully and honestly fill out your ATF Form and submit it appropriately to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Pay any associated application fees/tax stamps, which varies by FFL type

Applicants who meet this criteria typically receive their license around 60 days after the application is first received if all necessary background checks and interviews are completed successfully. 

State Requirements in Florida

There are no additional licensing requirements under Florida state law apart from federal requirements. FFL holders are able to buy, sell, manufacture, and import guns with only their initial license. However, there are some things that potential FFLs from Florida should keep in mind during the process.

Disqualifications in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida law prohibits persons who: 

• Are adjudicated delinquent of a crime that would have been a felony if committed by an adult until the age of 24 or until record is expunged.
• Receive “Adjudication Withheld” on any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and three years has not yet lapsed since the completion of sentencing provisions.
• Were recently arrested for a potentially disqualifying crime that has not been dismissed or disposed of in court.

An applicant in Florida can be prohibited from owning a gun for one of these reasons or if they don’t meet the federal requirements.

Point of Contact State

Florida is a Point of Contact (POC) state, which means the FBI does not conduct background checks for FFLs and a state agency takes over the responsibility instead. FFLs must reach out to Florida’s state agency, the FDLE, to initiate background checks on certain firearms. An FFL dealer in Florida should also be familiar with the Department of Law Enforcement Guide, an outline detailing how to process and conduct background checks. 

Florida FFL Transfers

An FFL transfer typically refers to the process of legally transferring a firearm through an FFL dealer, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.. Licensed FFL dealers are often involved in this process, which allows these transactions to remain secure and compliant with federal and local law. There are a number of dealers in Florida who process transfers, and there are state programs in place to streamline and protect the transfer process, such as the FDLE Firearm Purchase Program.

Private sales in Florida typically do not require an FFL transfer for most transactions, though background checks are required for sales by licensed dealers.

Transfer Status

Firearm Transfer Status can be checked through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 

Transfer Fee

In Florida, the transfer fee for FFLs depends on the gun shop, typically varying between $30 and $80. The FDLE will also charge $5 for a background check. The FDLE will also charge $5 for a background check.

Customer Testimonials

“FFLGuard is the single most important service at Jim’s Firearms. Compliance can be tricky to navigate at times, but the team at FFLGuard always takes good care of us and keeps us on track. They present a Best in Class model and a list of steps to maintain in good standing with ATF. Not only are they there for typical ‘what do I do here’ scenarios but also their presence during an audit is a massive relief.

“Their team of experts are always ready to lend a hand through the Help Desk or by putting in a phone call or email; they are the reason I can sleep easily at night knowing that they always have our backs. There is no way a business of our size could operate without the help and support of FFLGuard.”

Jim McClain, CEO & Dillon McClain, COO, Jim’s Firearms, Baton Rouge, LA & Pensacola, FL

How FFLGuard Sets FFLs Up for Success

FFLGuard’s cooperative legal and compliance program has been safeguarding and educating FFLs in the United States since 2008. Directed by The Chiafullo Group, LLC, FFLGuard works with firearms-specific counsel, subject matter experts, and professionals across the country to help FFLs preserve their licenses and remain in federal and state compliance. Our flat-fee legal program offers Guaranteed Legal Defense to protect our clients as they navigate the firearms industry. Whether you’re located in Florida or anywhere else in the United States, join FFLGuard for unparalleled expertise and legal defense services.