Florida Gun Waiting Period
Understand Florida’s 3-day firearm waiting period, when it applies, how the days are counted, and when an exception may apply.
Florida imposes a statewide waiting period for covered firearm purchases. The waiting period is 3 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, or until the required records check is completed, whichever occurs later.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Florida firearm waiting-period rules can depend on the type of transaction, statutory exceptions, background-check status, and local requirements. This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice.
DOES FLORIDA HAVE A GUN PURCHASE WAITING PERIOD?
Florida’s 3-Day Waiting Period
The waiting period is 3 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays.
Excludes Weekends & Legal Holidays
Weekends and legal holidays are not counted.
Applies to Covered Firearm Purchases
Applies to most purchases through a licensed dealer.
Rule Applies Between Purchase & Delivery
Florida Statute §790.0655 defines the waiting period as three days excluding weekends and legal holidays, or completion of the required records check, whichever occurs later.
WHEN DOES FLORIDA'S FIREARM WAITING PERIOD APPLY?
Firearm Purchases From a Florida Retailer
Applies to purchase from a licensed firearm dealer in Florida.
Waiting period runs between purchase and delivery
The clock starts after the purchase & payment.
Required records check may extend timing if later than 3 days
If the check is not completed within 3 days, delivery must wait until it is approved.
Review local or county specific rules where applicable
Some local rules may impose additional requirements
Learn more about Florida Gun Transfer Background Checks.
POSSIBLE EXCEPTIONS TO FLORIDA'S GUN WAITING PERIOD
Concealed Weapon License Holders
May qualify for an exception
Law Enforcement / Correctional Exceptions
Active and retired eligible personnel may qualify.
Active-Duty Military-Related Exceptions
Active-duty military members may qualify
Trade-In or Replacement Situations
In certain circumstances, these may qualify for an exception.
Other Listed Statutory Exceptions
Additional exceptions may exist under Florida law.
HOW FLORIDA'S 3-Day Waiting Period is Calculated
Day of Purchase
You complete the payment through a licensed Florida dealer.
Required records check is submitted
The dealer submits the background check and required records.
Waiting period is counted
The 3-day period is counted, excluding weekends and legal holidays.
Dealer confirms eligibility
the dealer confirms your eligibility and ensures all timing requirements are satisfied.
Firearm may be delivered
The firearm may be delivered when legally permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have a mandatory waiting period for gun purchases?
Yes. Florida law imposes a mandatory waiting period between the purchase and delivery of a firearm. The period is 3 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, or until the required records check is completed, whichever occurs later, unless a statutory exception applies.
How long is Florida’s gun waiting period?
Florida’s statewide waiting period is generally 3 days, not counting weekends or legal holidays. The firearm cannot be delivered until both the waiting period has expired and the required records check has been completed.
Do weekends and legal holidays count toward the 3-day waiting period?
No. Florida law specifically excludes weekends and legal holidays when calculating the 3-day waiting period. Depending on the day of purchase and any intervening holiday, three qualifying days can therefore span several calendar days.
When does Florida’s waiting period start?
For purposes of Florida’s waiting-period statute, a “purchase” generally occurs when money or other valuable consideration is transferred to the retailer. The waiting period runs between that purchase and delivery of the firearm.
Does the background check have to be completed before I can pick up the firearm?
Yes. Florida’s statute states that the waiting period lasts for 3 qualifying days or until the required records check is completed, whichever occurs later. FDLE also states that a Florida FFL may not transfer a firearm to a nonlicensed person until the required background check has been completed. For the full dealer background-check process, see Florida Gun Transfer Background Checks.
Are there exceptions to Florida’s waiting period?
Yes. Florida law lists specific exceptions. These include purchases by qualifying concealed weapon or firearm license holders, trade-ins of another firearm, and certain rifle or shotgun purchases involving qualifying hunter-safety credentials. The exact statutory requirements should be verified before relying on an exception.
Do private gun sales have a waiting period in Florida?
Florida’s statewide statute in § 790.0655 is focused on purchases and deliveries involving a retailer, so an ordinary private transfer between two unlicensed individuals is not automatically governed by that retailer waiting-period rule. However, Florida’s Constitution allows counties to impose limited waiting-period and background-check requirements on certain firearm sales when part of the transaction occurs on property to which the public has access, so local rules may matter. See Florida Private Gun Sale Laws for the broader rules governing private person-to-person firearm sales.
Can a Florida county have a longer waiting period?
In certain circumstances, yes. The Florida Constitution permits counties to require a criminal-history records check and a waiting period of 3 to 5 days for certain firearm sales when part of the transaction occurs on property open to the public. Concealed-weapon permit holders are excluded from that constitutional provision.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Florida firearm waiting-period rules can depend on the type of transaction, statutory exceptions, background-check status, and local requirements. This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice.
