Download the Florida Firearm Bill of Sale
IMPORTANT:
Use this printable form to create a written record of a private firearm transaction. It is provided for general informational and recordkeeping purposes and does not replace any applicable federal, state or local requirements.
Good RecordKeeping Helps Protect You
A bill of sale creates a clear record of the transaction, including the date, parties, firearm details, and price.
Not a Substitute for the Law
All federal and Florida laws still apply. Never sell or transfer a firearm to someone you know or suspect is prohibited.
Use an FFL When in Doubt
If you are unsure about the buyer, residency, or legal requirements, an FFL transfer is the safest option.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A FLORIDA FIREARM BILL OF SALE
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Seller and buyer full legal names and contact information
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Date and location of the sale
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Complete firearm details (make, model, caliber / guage, serial number
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Sale price and payment method (optional)
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Seller's statement of ownership and right to sell
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Buyer's statement that they are not prohibited from possessing firearms
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Signatures of both seller and buyer​
Before completing a private transaction, review the Florida Private Gun Sale Laws guide to understand when a private sale may be lawful and what additional restrictions can apply.
IMPORTANT NOTES
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Interstate firearm sales and transfers generally follow a different federal transfer path and may require an FFL in the recipient’s state.
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If an estate contains a suppressor, machine gun, short-barreled firearm, or another NFA-regulated item, see our Inheriting NFA Firearms guide before relying on an ordinary bill of sale.​
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Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records
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THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY IF YOU HAVE LEGAL QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a firearm bill of sale legally required in Florida?
Florida does not generally require a specific firearm bill of sale for an ordinary private transfer between two unlicensed individuals. Federal law also does not impose a general recordkeeping requirement on transfers between two unlicensed individuals. Even so, keeping a written record of the transaction can help document when the firearm was sold, to whom it was transferred, and which firearm was involved.
Does a bill of sale replace a background check?
No. A bill of sale is only a record of the transaction. It does not perform a background check, verify that a buyer is legally eligible to possess a firearm, or make an otherwise unlawful transfer legal. Private individuals generally cannot access the NICS system themselves. If you are uncertain about a buyer’s eligibility, using an FFL to facilitate the transfer provides a more structured process. See Florida Gun Transfer Background Checks for a complete explanation of when dealer background checks apply.
Can I use this form for a handgun, rifle, or shotgun?
Yes, the form can be used as a recordkeeping document for a lawful private sale of a handgun, rifle, or shotgun. The firearm section should identify the make, model, caliber or gauge, firearm type, and serial number.
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Using the form does not change any age, residency, eligibility, waiting-period, or transfer requirements that may apply to the particular transaction. Federal law, for example, places specific restrictions on an unlicensed person transferring a handgun to someone the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under 21. Learn more about Florida private gun sale laws and Florida gun waiting periods.
Can I use this form for an inherited firearm?
Potentially, but first confirm that the person selling the firearm actually has legal authority to do so. Firearms belonging to an estate may be controlled by a personal representative, executor, trustee, beneficiary, or other person depending on the circumstances. Start with our Florida Inherited Gun Laws & Estate Guide for the broader estate rules.
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Federal law also contains specific rules and exceptions for firearms acquired through a lawful bequest or intestate succession, particularly when the heir lives in another state. A bill of sale should not be used as a substitute for determining lawful ownership and transfer authority. If the issue is specifically whether the estate representative has authority to sell, see Can an Executor Sell Estate Firearms in Florida?
Can I use a Florida firearm bill of sale for an out-of-state buyer?
You may use a bill of sale as a transaction record, but it does not authorize a direct interstate transfer. Federal law generally does not allow an unlicensed Florida resident to directly transfer a firearm to an unlicensed resident of another state.
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In most ordinary interstate sales, the firearm must be transferred through an FFL in accordance with federal law and the laws applicable to the buyer. Certain inheritance situations have different federal rules, which is why estate transfers should be considered separately. See our Interstate Gun Sales, Transfers & Shipping guide for the complete transfer path.
Should both the buyer and seller keep a copy?
Yes. Although a private-sale bill of sale is generally not a required federal record for two unlicensed individuals, having both parties retain a copy creates a useful record of the transaction.
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The form should include the transaction date, identifying information for the parties, firearm description and serial number, and signatures. Records containing personal information should be stored securely and should not be publicly posted or shared unnecessarily.
IMPORTANT: This page and downloadable form are provided for general informational and recordkeeping purposes only and are not legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and additional federal, state, or local requirements may apply to a particular transaction.
Important Disclaimers
Official Resources
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from an attorney, law enforcement agency, qualified FFL, or other appropriate professional.
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Firearm laws can change, and unusual situations may require special review. Estate matters, out-of-state heirs, NFA items, business liquidations, and disputed ownership situations should be handled carefully.
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Gun Auctions USA provides auction consignment guidance for sellers. Regulated firearm transfers, possession, and transfer-related handling are coordinated through GAU Firearms LLC, the affiliated FFL supporting the auction process.