Responsible firearm ownership is crucial for ensuring the safety of Florida’s families. With a few simple precautions, we can prevent accidents, reduce risks and promote a secure environment. Whether you’re a new firearm owner or have years of experience, staying informed about safe handling, storage and legal guidelines is key. These essential tips and reminders will help you practice firearm safety with confidence and responsibility.

Safe Handling of a Firearm

Safe Handling Practices

• A conversation about firearm safety should always begin with these four fundamental rules to prevent unsafe or unintentional firing of a firearm:

1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Never rely solely on someone else’s word about whether a firearm is loaded or unloaded.
2. Never let the muzzle point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire the gun.
4. Know your target and what’s beyond it.

• Handle weapons only while sober and clear-minded.
• You are responsible for knowing whether a weapon is loaded, and how to safely load, operate, fire and unload it.

Knowledge and Training

• Obtain training in firearm use.
• Get familiar with the essential parts of your handgun.
• Read and follow the instructions in your weapon’s owner’s manual, ammunition boxes and any related accessories.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Use the correct ammunition.
• Buy ammunition suited to your purpose, whether for target or defensive shooting.
• Inspect and maintain your equipment regularly.

Firearm Safety: Storage and Security

Safe and responsible gun ownership begins with security and storage. Improper storage of a firearm can lead to injury or even death. Secure your weapon away from children and other unauthorized people to avoid liability. An untrained, careless or irresponsible person can turn your firearm into a deadly hazard.

To properly store and secure a firearm, gun owners should do the following:

• Unload the firearm, including clearing the chambered round.
• Place the firearm in a locked cabinet, gun safe or other securable location not accessible to children.
• Keep ammunition safely stored, preferably in a fireproof storage container.
• Utilize gun locking devices to make firing the weapon impossible.
• Keep guns out of the hands of children who may not understand the consequences of handling a firearm.
• Never store a firearm in your dresser drawer, atop a high area or under your pillow.
• Always store firearms using secure locks, lock boxes or gun safes.
• Take extra caution if you live in a home with children, people with substance abuse issues or those with mental illness.

Firearm Ownership Liability

Liability is important to understand because of the legal and financial responsibilities that could be faced by a gun owner if their firearm causes harm. Gun owners are responsible for always maintaining control of their weapon. Florida State Statute 790.174  requires firearm owners to safely store their guns if a minor under 16 years old could gain access to them. Firearms must be kept in a locked container or secured with a trigger lock to prevent unauthorized use. If a minor does gain access to an unsecured firearm, the owner may face criminal charges if the firearm is discharged, causing harm. This law is designed to promote responsible gun ownership and protect minors from accidental firearm injuries.

Firearm Safety Plan

Creating a family safety plan will reduce the possibility of a firearm accident in your home. The key components of any firearm safety plan include ensuring that your family knows the fundamental rules of gun safety, having control over who can access firearms, creating emergency plans that include how to respond to accidents, unauthorized access or emergencies involving firearms and having open, ongoing conversations about firearm safety.

Teach your children the Safe Gun Motto if they encounter or find a firearm: They should not touch the gun and should immediately get help from a parent or trusted adult. The NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe© Program teaches kids that if they find a gun they should:

1. STOP!
2. Don’t Touch.
3. Run Away.
4. Tell a Grown-Up.

There is no particular age to begin the conversation regarding firearm safety. A good time to start is as soon as the child becomes interested in toy guns or firearms in general. Talk honestly and openly about firearms instead of ordering him or her to “stay out of the gun closet.” Such statements stimulate a child’s natural curiosity to investigate further. 

Learn More About Firearm Safety

The Florida Sheriffs Association supports the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms in a safe and responsible manner and believes that education is one of the biggest components of responsible gun ownership. The Florida Sheriffs Public Safety Institute is proud to offer a free firearm safety course that, in six lessons, covers topics including:

• Requirements to purchase a handgun in Florida
• Firearm safety
• Safe storage of firearms
• Personal safety considerations
• Florida’s concealed weapons law

For more information and to register for this course, please visit the Florida Sheriffs Public Safety Institute.