Last updated November 2025
Florida law on guns in vehicles confuses many drivers. Can you carry a gun in your car without a permit? The answer: sometimes.
As a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, I regularly defend clients facing firearm and concealed weapon charges, often because they misunderstood the rules.
📜 Florida Law on Guns in Vehicles
Under Florida Statute §790.25(5), you may carry a firearm in your vehicle without a permit if it is:
Securely encased (glove box, snapped holster, closed container), or
Not readily accessible for immediate use
👉 Related: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
❌ When It Becomes Illegal
Loaded gun in plain view without a concealed carry license
Gun under the seat or tucked into waistband (not “securely encased”)
Possession by prohibited persons (felons, certain restraining orders)
Using the weapon in a threatening manner
These scenarios can lead to felony charges for carrying a concealed firearm.
⚖️ Defense Strategies in Gun-in-Car Cases
Secure encasement dispute — Was the firearm actually “securely encased” under the statute?
Stop & search legality — If the traffic stop or vehicle search was unlawful, evidence may be suppressed.
Ownership disputes — Passengers vs. drivers often leads to questions of constructive possession.
No criminal intent — Simple presence of a firearm does not equal unlawful intent.
📣 Why Local Defense Matters
Gun laws in Florida are heavily litigated, and prosecutors in Broward and Palm Beach take them seriously. A strong defense can mean the difference between a felony conviction and a dismissal.
👉 Charged with a firearm offense in Florida? Call today for a free consultation.
❓ FAQs
1) Do I need a concealed carry permit to keep a gun in my car?
Not if it’s securely encased or not readily accessible.
2) What counts as “securely encased”?
Glove box (locked or unlocked), snapped holster, or closed container.
3) Can I carry a loaded gun in my glove compartment?
Yes, as long as it’s properly encased.
4) What if the gun is under my seat?
That’s usually not securely encased and can lead to concealed firearm charges.
5) What happens if I’m charged?
Penalties may include felony conviction, prison, and loss of firearm rights — but many cases can be challenged.