Florida Gun Laws 2026: What Changed October 1 and What Pensacola Gun Owners Need to Know
Florida’s latest firearms-related change took effect on October 1, 2026. House Bill 757, also known as Chapter 2026-80, amended Florida Statute § 790.115 and created a new offense involving the discharge of a weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.
The change concerns where and when a weapon is discharged. It does not create a new firearm registration system or change lawful ownership of firearms.
This article explains the change in plain language for Pensacola-area gun owners, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and firearms enthusiasts. It is general information, not legal advice. Review the current statute and speak with a qualified Florida attorney if you have a specific legal question.
What Changed on October 1, 2026
HB 757 was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 15, 2026. It took effect October 1, 2026.
The law rewrote part of Florida Statute § 790.115. Under the new language, a person commits a second-degree felony if the person discharges any weapon or firearm:
- Within 1,000 feet of a school
- During school hours or during the time of a sanctioned school activity
A second-degree felony in Florida is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The law applies to “any weapon or firearm,” not only handguns. The timing matters. A sanctioned school activity may take place outside regular school hours, including an official athletic event, program, or other school-sponsored activity.
You can review the Florida Senate bill text for HB 757 and the current Florida Statutes chapter covering § 790.115.
Exceptions in the New Law
The new subparagraph includes important exceptions.
It does not apply when the discharge is:
- For the lawful defense of the person firing the weapon
- For the lawful defense of another person
- For another lawful purpose
There is also a private-property provision. The new subparagraph does not apply to a discharge on private real property within 1,000 feet of a school when the person discharging the weapon is:
- The property owner
- A person authorized by the owner
- A person licensed by the owner
- A person invited by the owner
These exceptions do not mean that every discharge on private property is automatically lawful. Other Florida laws, local restrictions, safety rules, property rules, and federal requirements may still apply.
The practical point is simple: do not assume that being on private property removes every legal responsibility. If you are near a school property line, identify the location carefully and avoid discharging a weapon unless the activity is clearly lawful and authorized.
Arrest and Bail Provision
HB 757 also states that a person arrested under this paragraph must be held in custody until brought before the court for admittance to bail.
This is a procedural provision tied to the new offense. It does not change the penalty classification. The underlying offense remains a second-degree felony.
Because the law involves distances, school hours, sanctioned activities, and specific exceptions, a real-world situation may depend on facts that are not obvious from a map or a general description. If you believe the law may apply to a particular incident, contact a Florida criminal defense attorney promptly.
The Existing School-Location Rules Still Apply
The new 1,000-foot rule is separate from the long-standing possession restrictions in the same statute.
Florida law generally prohibits possessing a firearm at:
- A school-sponsored event
- School property
- A school bus
- A school bus stop
The statute includes narrow exceptions. These include a firearm secured in a case for an approved firearms program or class, possession at a career center with a firearms training range, or possession in a vehicle under Florida Statute § 790.25(4).
A person who holds a Florida concealed weapon license and willfully and knowingly violates the possession rule commits a second-degree misdemeanor.
The statutory definition of “school” includes:
- Preschool
- Elementary school
- Middle school
- Junior high school
- Secondary school
- Career center
- Postsecondary school
The definition applies to public and nonpublic schools.
The important distinction is that possession and discharge are different issues. Having a firearm in a prohibited location can raise one set of legal concerns. Discharging a weapon within the new 1,000-foot zone during covered times can raise another.
What Did Not Change
No New Florida Vehicle-Storage Mandate
SB 256 would have added handgun storage requirements for private vehicles and vessels. That bill died in committee in March 2026. It did not become law.
As a result, HB 757 did not create a new Florida vehicle-storage mandate.
Responsible storage is still important. Use a locked case, lockable container, or other appropriate security method when transporting firearms. Keep firearms inaccessible to unauthorized users, follow the rules of any military installation or workplace, and verify the requirements that apply to your situation.
Permitless Concealed Carry Remains in Effect
Florida’s permitless concealed carry law, in effect since July 2023, remains in place.
Eligible Floridians who are at least 21 years old may carry a concealed weapon without a concealed weapon license, subject to Florida law and the person’s eligibility.
This does not allow carrying everywhere. Location restrictions still apply, including restrictions involving schools and school-sponsored events. Federal law, Florida law, and the rules of private property or military installations may all affect whether carrying is allowed.
If you are stationed at or near NAS-Pensacola, review installation rules separately. A Florida carry provision does not override Department of Defense, Navy, or NAS-Pensacola policies.
No State Firearm Registration
HB 757 did not create a Florida firearm registration requirement.
It also did not create a new statewide waiting period. Existing laws and dealer procedures may still apply to a purchase or transfer, including background-check requirements and any applicable waiting-period rules.
For a dealer transfer, confirm the process with the receiving Federal Firearms Licensee before shipping or ordering a firearm.
What This Means for Pensacola Gun Owners
The new law tightens restrictions on discharging weapons near schools during covered times. It does not prohibit lawful ownership, lawful range use, lawful hunting, or lawful self-defense.
A practical approach includes:
- Avoid discharging a weapon near a school property line. Do not rely on an estimate. If you are within the general area of a school, use an established range or another clearly lawful location.
- Confirm the activity and location. School hours and sanctioned activities may not follow a simple weekday schedule.
- Transport firearms lawfully. Use a secure case and follow the rules of the destination, including military installations and private businesses.
- Keep firearms secured when not in use. Lock firearms away from unauthorized users and avoid leaving them visible in a vehicle.
- Ask for help before completing a transfer. A local dealer can explain its process, fees, required information, and pickup deadlines.
- Use a qualified attorney for legal advice. A gun shop can provide general information, but it cannot replace legal counsel.
For customers researching firearms Pensacola options, Coastal Firearm Corporation provides local assistance with new and used firearms, ammunition, optics, holsters, and targets. We buy, sell, and trade firearms, and we can help identify available options from SIG SAUER, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Rossi. Most popular calibers are available, and special orders can be requested through our distributor and local-source network.
Local Services for Transfers and Storage
If you are comparing an ffl transfer fee Florida dealers charge, our current Coastal Firearm Corporation transfer total is:
- FFL transfer: $45
- Background check: $5
- Total: $50
After delivery notification, allow up to 24 hours for processing. You must notify us about an incoming transfer and arrange pickup. Firearms not picked up within 30 days of receipt may be sold.
Review the full FFL transfer process and requirements before ordering from an online seller.
If you are searching for gun storage near me, Coastal Firearm Corporation also offers climate-controlled gun locker rentals. This service can help NAS-Pensacola personnel and others who cannot bring firearms onto the installation or need a secure temporary storage option.
Locker rates are:
- $20 per day
- $50 per week
- $100 per month
Access is available during store hours. Locker bookings are handled Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Review the gun locker rental information before visiting.
Find Local Help Near NAS-Pensacola
Coastal Firearm Corporation is located at 534 S. Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507, right outside NAS-Pensacola.
We serve military personnel, law enforcement officers, veterans, responsible civilian gun owners, and customers who are new to firearms and need practical guidance. Military and law enforcement discounts are available.
For help with a firearm purchase, transfer, storage option, or general product question:
- Phone: (850) 725-2500
- Email: Info@cfcguns.com
- Address: 534 S. Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507
- Store hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you are looking for a local Pensacola gun shop, firearms, storage, or transfer service, contact us before you order or travel. We can help you understand our process and identify the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HB 757 ban firearm ownership in Florida?
No. The law addresses the discharge of a weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school during school hours or a sanctioned school activity, subject to statutory exceptions. It does not create a general firearm ownership ban.
Is firing near a school always a second-degree felony?
The new law includes exceptions for lawful defense, another lawful purpose, and certain discharges on private property by the owner or an authorized, licensed, or invited person. The facts of each situation matter.
Did Florida create a new gun-registration requirement in 2026?
No. HB 757 did not create a state firearm registration system.
Did Florida pass a new vehicle-storage law in 2026?
No. SB 256, which would have added handgun storage requirements for private vehicles and vessels, died in committee and did not become law.
Can eligible Floridians still carry concealed without a license?
Yes. Florida’s permitless concealed carry law remains in effect for eligible Floridians age 21 and older. Location restrictions and other legal requirements still apply.
Are gun ranges in Pensacola affected by the new law?
Lawful range use is not the target of the new school-zone provision. Always follow the range’s rules, verify its location, and confirm that the activity is lawful and properly authorized.