I have dual residency in Mass and Florida. I have a MA LTC-A and also I have a FL drivers license (Florida validity only). Does that mean I could possibly get a FL LTC and then buy firearms in Florida? Does that also mean that I would have to make sure they were MA compliant in the event I bring them to MA
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Dual Residency MA and FL
- Thread starter DickL
- Start date
You don't need an FL CCW to buy guns in Florida, only for concealed carry. If you live there you should get one anyways, though. All you would need is proof of residency down there, and you would want to check to make sure you qualify as an FL resident under BATFE regulations. Your FL DL might be good enough to use as proof of residency if it lists your FL residence. You'd have to talk with an FL FFL to find this out. If what they tell you is "wonky" you might want to shop elsewhere. (Some don't know the laws very well. )
As far as the "MA compliant" thing goes, handgun compliance is irrelevant. The only thing you need to watch out for is the MA AWB with anything you bring back into the state, mostly in regards to post-ban AWs and new magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. You also need to FA-10 register guns you bring back, as well, assuming you choose to do that.
-Mike
As far as the "MA compliant" thing goes, handgun compliance is irrelevant. The only thing you need to watch out for is the MA AWB with anything you bring back into the state, mostly in regards to post-ban AWs and new magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. You also need to FA-10 register guns you bring back, as well, assuming you choose to do that.
-Mike
Florida doesn't differentiate between "resident" and "non-resident" CWFL's (the technical term for our LTC, although most call it a CWP). You can apply through the mail, and if you move you just change your address on it. Some states that FL has reciprocity with require one to be a resident of Florida, but that's only a small handful of them anyway. The big advantage of the CWP is that you avoid the waiting periods, which are different in every county, and include things such as transfers. Some FFL's will also err on the side of caution when it comes to waiting periods to and make you wait when you technically don't have to, but again, the CWP will bypass all of that. It also opens up a lot of doors for vehicle carry and similar things, especially for those who live in condos/apartments. But you don't need anything other than a valid photo ID to buy a gun in Florida, and there's no paperwork requirement or waiting period for private sales. In fact, it appears that it's illegal to keep a bill of sale in a FTF transaction in FL, but that's a separate topic.
Something for you to keep in mind though, ATF is very aggressive in their enforcement of federal law down here. I'm not suggesting that you'd be breaking the law, but if I were you I'd CYA as far as dual residency goes to prevent any misunderstandings on their part. They have a big presence, much greater than I ever saw in Mass., and some FFL's live in fear of them, so they may not want to sell to you. Some won't even sell long guns to residents of other states, even though it's legal.
The Division of Licensing is tricky in some areas, so you might actually get the CWP faster through the mail than you could by scheduling an appointment to go in in person, but it's a simple process, and it's recognized in 2/3's of the US for FL residents.
I'm on the ball with the FL procedures, so ask away if you have any questions about that, but federal dual residency law is not my area of expertise. Like I said, be able to show that you're legal, and avoid anything where there might be gray area, but some others should be able to give you more info on that area in particular.
Something for you to keep in mind though, ATF is very aggressive in their enforcement of federal law down here. I'm not suggesting that you'd be breaking the law, but if I were you I'd CYA as far as dual residency goes to prevent any misunderstandings on their part. They have a big presence, much greater than I ever saw in Mass., and some FFL's live in fear of them, so they may not want to sell to you. Some won't even sell long guns to residents of other states, even though it's legal.
The Division of Licensing is tricky in some areas, so you might actually get the CWP faster through the mail than you could by scheduling an appointment to go in in person, but it's a simple process, and it's recognized in 2/3's of the US for FL residents.
I'm on the ball with the FL procedures, so ask away if you have any questions about that, but federal dual residency law is not my area of expertise. Like I said, be able to show that you're legal, and avoid anything where there might be gray area, but some others should be able to give you more info on that area in particular.
