Florida Minor exemption

[reelredneck1]

Hey everyone I have a question that I am hoping some of you guys living in the sunshine state could help answer. I was planing a trip to the public Range in Ocala tomorrow with two friends one 17 and one 18.The older found out that he could not join us, so it would just be me(17) and my friend(17). I know that Florida law makes A clear exemption for minors under the age of 18 and over the age of 16 that allows possession of a firearm while traveling directly to, participating in, and traveling directly home from a legal marksmanship activity.I know that what the law states and what some LEOs might believe can be two totally different things. I am just wondering if we should be alright, and I really hope a current or even retired LEO could weigh in on the matter. While I would really love to go try out The 870 my grandfather recently handed down to me I would want to risk getting it confiscated or me getting into trouble. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes...e&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/Sec22.htm#0790.22

 

[The-Reaver]

I go up to the Range off of 40 all the time man. Hell maybe I'll meet you up there.

The only thing you have to worry about up there is the Master Seargent, Rolls around in a green pickup. If he shows up just set your stuff on the table and take a smoke break or something until he leaves.

As for the Law. Its the law. If you are that worried about it. Print out a copy and store it in your glove box.

RvR

 

[MedWheeler]

As you stated, the law is quite clear...

(3) A minor under 18 years of age may not possess a firearm, other than an unloaded firearm at his or her home, unless:
(a) The minor is engaged in a lawful hunting activity and is:
1. At least 16 years of age; or
2. Under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult.
(b) The minor is engaged in a lawful marksmanship competition or practice or other lawful recreational shooting activity and is:
1. At least 16 years of age; or
2. Under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult who is acting with the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian.
(c) The firearm is unloaded and is being transported by the minor directly to or from an event authorized in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).

Just keep your noses clean while traveling to and from the range session, as well as during it, and you will be fine. If you want further reassurance, carry a copy of the statute with you. Don't get arrogant or "lippy" if challenged; just tell the LEO what the statute reads, and that "this is how we interpreted it."
Make sure the firearms are unloaded and stored well-secured and out of reach during travel.
I'm a former LEO and I admit that cops don't always know the law to the letter. It's a lot to learn in sixteen weeks, only maybe two of which are dedicated to law. As a staunch supporter of right-to-carry, I made sure I did.

 

[reelredneck1]

Thanks man I figured I best print a copy and keep it in the truck. and If you wanna meet up there I will probably be there sometime between 11 and noon tomorrow to try and shoot some clay for the first time and let my buddy run a few through the AR.

 

[reelredneck1]

Thanks MedWheeler. You can rest assured the last thing I would want to do is get lippy around a LEO. I do have quite a bit of respect for them especially after one caught the little delinquents that tore up my families business simply by seeing a lanyard hanging out of one of the kids pockets while he was riding his bike down the street at 2 in the morning. That was just plain sharp.

 

[oneounceload]

Went to that "range" once, never again.

WAY too many unsafe folks sweeping people with loaded guns, guns getting stolen while folks went downrange to change targets, etc

There is a trap/skeet club outside of Dunnellon called Robinson Ranch. Bring your 870 and some target ammo and shoot some trap, skeet, or 5-stand

 

[The-Reaver]

Yeah, oneounceload is right. I don't ever go up there with out a battle buddy to watch you stuff while change targets.

 

[reelredneck1]

Thanks for the heads up! I will definitely have a "battle buddy" to watch that nothing of ours grows legs. Just out of curiosity on average how crowded is it around noontime on a weekday?

 

[The-Reaver]

Noontime it may be pretty ruff. Weekends are WAY WORSE though.

Just pick up the spot at the end and keep to your self. That's what I do generally.
If you get there at 0830-0900 it should be pretty barren.

 

[reelredneck1]

0900 is a little early for me figuring that I am at-least an hour and a half out and I am far too lazy to get up before and moving before 8. I should be alright I know my way around a firearm better than most adults I know and I am the type to stay away from the crowd if at all possible.

 

[oneounceload]

For metallic, I go north to Bradford's Sportsmen's Farm outside of Gainesville - they have pistol rifle to 300 yards and long range to 850 besides sporting clays. Not very crowded, and everyone is safety oriented. Closer to Ocala for shotgun is the Robinson Ranch I mentioned previously

 

[reelredneck1]

Thanks I will definately keep those ranges in mind for next time we are planing a family outing but I would imagine both of them having an under "18 must be acompanied by an adult" policy because they are privately owned locations. But they will definitely be on the top of the family day list(or my part anyway).

 

[The-Reaver]

Man, I would love to shoot past 300 meters.

But that is just over 100 mile trip for me. =(

 

[oneounceload]

They hold 850 yard competitions up there, you can shoot your machine gun, use suppressors, etc. The only thing they do not want is someone under the age of 16 driving their golf carts around the sporting clays ranges- they may have others, I have never run into any of them. It is 65 miles or so for me each way - but I make a day of it, bring lunch, cold drinks, etc. Since I am in on a corporate membership, I get metallic range time for free, but their daily fee is reasonable - IIRC about $10

They have an upcoming 3-gun event and a long range tactical rifle competition

http://www.bsfshootingsports.com/Events/

They are the nicest folks - makes it worth the drive