A comprehensive guide
How to sell a gun in Tampa, Florida
When planning to sell a firearm in Tampa, Florida, it's crucial to be well-versed with local, state, and federal regulations. A thorough understanding of these laws is key to ensuring that the sale is conducted legally, regardless of whether you're a seasoned firearm owner or new to gun ownership.
Options for selling a gun in Tampa, Florida
There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of Florida.
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Sell to WeBuyGuns.com
- Description
- WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward, secure and legally compliant way to sell your gun in Florida. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
- Our Reviews
- Read our reviews
- Our Process
- Our process
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Sell to a local dealer
- Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.
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Sell through a private transaction
- Direct sales to individuals are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of Florida and federally.
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Local ordinances in Tampa, Florida
Florida Statute 790.33, commonly known as the "preemption statute," establishes that the state government holds exclusive authority over the regulation of firearms and ammunition in Florida. This law specifically prohibits local governments—such as cities and counties—from enacting or enforcing any ordinances or regulations related to the possession, sale, transfer, or manufacture of firearms and ammunition that are more restrictive than state law.
Key components of the legislation are:
- Exclusive State Regulation - the state legislature occupies the entire field of regulation of firearms and ammunition.
- Narrow Exceptions - There are limited exceptions where local regulations are permitted.
- Penalties for Violation - Local officials who knowingly and willfully attempt to enforce any local firearm regulations that contravene state law can be fined
State laws for selling a gun in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, private sellers must adhere to certain state laws when selling firearms.
General resources:
Identification requirements
In Florida private gun sales, the buyer and the seller must possess a valid government issued ID from the State of Florida.
Florida does not require a permit to purchase a firearm nor is there a permit that exempts any person from the background check requirement at a retail location.
Waiting periods
Florida law mandates a 3-day waiting period for handgun purchases from retail establishments, but this does not apply to private sales. Individual counties and cities have the authority to enact local ordinances extending the waiting period to as much as five days. Consult local ordinances for more detailed information.
Age requirements
In Florida private gun sales, the buyer must meet the minimum age requirement for the firearm type being transferred.
- Pistol / Revolver - 21
- Shotgun (No Shoulder Stock) - 21
- Shotgun (w/ Shoulder Stock) - 18
- Rifle - 18
Background checks in private sales
While not required by Florida state law for private sales, it's recommended to conduct a background check for your own safety and legal protection.
Ineligible persons
In addition to federal legislation, Florida law prohibits persons who:
- Are adjudicated delinquent of a crime that would have been a felony if committed by an adult until the age of 24 or until record is expunged.
- Receive “Adjudication Withheld” on any felony or on a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and three years has not yet lapsed since the completion of sentencing provisions.
- Were recently arrested for a potentially disqualifying crime which has not been dismissed or disposed of in court.
Florida residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.
Trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — We have purchased firearms from users in all 50 states, including Florida, paying out over 2.9 million to customers on our platform.
- Sellers on our platform
- 23,000+
- Customer reviews
- Over 500
- Rating on Google
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- Paid out to sellers
- Over 2.9M
Selling your gun - our process
The first step is to start an offer.
Once your email is validated, you can submit a firearm or multiple firearms in your collection by answering a few brief questions and uploading photos. Within 24-36 business hours, we’ll send you an official offer for each item. You’ll have two weeks to decide if you’d like to move forward. If you accept, WeBuyGuns.com will provide pre-paid shipping labels so you can safely send us your collection. Once received, we’ll confirm delivery and issue payment via paper check or ACH—your choice. The entire process typically takes about a week, from submission to payment.
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Tell us about your gun
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Fill out a short form and upload a few photos to help us identify your firearms and their condition. We will be in touch with you throughout the entire process.
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We verify the make, model and condition
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We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
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We make you an offer
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We will present you with an offer for sale. If you accept the offer, we will provide you with a shipping label and we pay for shipping!
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's
- Is this legal in Florida and can WeBuyGuns.com purchase my firearm?
- Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
We have completed 652 firearm purchases via our online platform from satisfied customers in the state of Florida.
- Does WeBuyGuns.com purchase firearm estates or gun collections?
- Yes. We are happy to work with you on a collection or estate. Please contact us directly rather than trying to upload multiple items through the offer form. .
- How long are offers good for?
- Offers are valid for 14 days.
- Can I sell multiple firearms?
- Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
- How do I get paid?
- We will either send you a check, or we will issue the funds via a secure ACH direct deposit. During the offer approval process, you will tell us which method of payment you prefer.
Comprehensive guides for selling a firearm in every state
Understand the process of selling a firearm in your state with our in-depth guides. We break down local, state and federal regulations while providing the resources you need for a smooth, legal transaction.
Valuation guides by manufacturer
Curious about your firearm’s value or what current market pricing is? Our manufacturer specific valuation guides provide insights into pricing, demand and key factors that affect value—helping you sell with confidence.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.