• There are more than 200 million personal firearms in the United States.a bb gun image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms. However, each individual state regulates the sale and possession of arms differently. Laws relating to gun control in Florida are contained within the state statutes. These laws are uniform across Florida, as the state government does not permit localities to impose their own firearms regulations.
  
  

Purchase

• Residents and nonresidents do not require a permit to purchase a rifle, shotgun or handgun in Florida. However, there must be period of three days, excluding weekends and public holidays, between the purchase and delivery of any handgun. In addition, it is illegal for a convicted felon to own a firearm, unless their civil rights have been restored.
  
  Other people not permitted to have guns in their custody include those with drug and alcohol addictions, vagrants and people with certain mental health problems. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess a loaded gun, unless that person is engaged in lawful activities such as hunting.
  
  

Possession

• In general, it is illegal to carry a gun in public in Florida without first obtaining a license. However, there are exceptions to this rule. People engaged in fishing, camping or hunting are allowed to carry a weapon without a permit. Having guns at a private home or business is also legal without a license, as is the case for people taking part in gun club target practices. Law enforcement officers, military personnel and private guards also do not need a permit to carry a firearm whilst working. Florida also allows people to carry guns in their private vehicle without license, provided the weapon is safely encased and is intended to be used for self-defense or other lawful activities.
  
  

Concealed Carry

• Florida is a "shall issue" state, meaning that so long as those applying for a concealed carry permit satisfy certain criteria, the issuing body has no power to withhold the license. In Florida, the issuing authority is the Department of Agriculture. The criteria for being granted a permit include applicants proving that they are not convicted felons, that they do not have drug or alcohol problems and that they intend to use the weapon for lawful activities. The application for the permit is completed under oath and costs up to $85.