How Much Is an FFL Transfer in Florida? 5 Things to Know Before You Buy Online

Buying a firearm online can give you access to a wider selection of new and used firearms. The firearm cannot usually be shipped directly to you, however. It must be sent to a Federal Firearms Licensee, or FFL, in your state.

If you are located near Pensacola, Coastal Firearm Corporation can receive the firearm, complete the required transfer process, and help you take possession after all legal requirements are satisfied.

The current Coastal Firearm Corporation fee for a standard incoming transfer is:

• FFL transfer fee: $45
• Background check fee: $5
• Total: $50

Here are five things to know before you place an online order.

1. Know What an FFL Transfer Is

An FFL transfer is the legal process used when a firearm moves from a seller or another FFL to a buyer through a licensed dealer.

When you purchase a firearm online from an out-of-state seller, the seller ships it to an FFL near you. The local dealer receives the firearm, records it in accordance with federal requirements, and transfers it to you after you complete the required paperwork and background check.

This process applies whether you buy from:

• An online firearm retailer
• An online auction
• A private seller in another state
• Another FFL dealer
• A distributor or manufacturer

The online purchase is not the final transfer. The firearm transfer to you takes place at the local FFL’s licensed business location.

Federal requirements generally include:

• Completing ATF Form 4473
• Presenting valid government-issued identification
• Completing the required background check
• Meeting federal and Florida eligibility requirements
• Following any applicable waiting period
• Taking possession in person from the receiving dealer

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provides additional information about online purchases and firearm transfers through its Firearms Questions and Answers.

2. Understand the FFL Transfer Fee in Florida

The FFL transfer fee in Florida is set by the individual dealer. There is not one statewide retail transfer price that every FFL must charge.

Some dealers charge a single fee that includes the background check. Others list the transfer fee and background check fee separately. You should confirm the complete cost before ordering.

At Coastal Firearm Corporation, our current standard incoming transfer pricing is:

Standard incoming transfer

• $45 FFL transfer fee
• $5 background check fee
• $50 total

This fee covers the standard receiving and transfer process. It does not necessarily include costs charged by the online seller or shipping company.

You may also need to account for:

• The firearm purchase price
• Shipping charged by the seller
• Sales tax, when applicable
• Insurance or special shipping charges
• Storage or extended pickup fees, if applicable
• Separate fees for NFA or Class III items
• Any service charges listed by the online seller

Ask the receiving dealer to confirm the current total before you buy. Fees can change, and special items may require a different process.

Coastal Firearm Corporation also offers military and law enforcement discounts. Please ask our staff whether the current discount applies to the firearm, transfer service, or another part of your transaction.

3. Follow the Online Purchase Process

The online purchase process is straightforward when the buyer, seller, and receiving FFL communicate before shipment.

Step 1: Choose the firearm

Confirm that the firearm is legal for you to own and receive in Florida. If you are not sure, contact a local FFL before placing the order.

Review the seller’s return policy, shipping terms, and transfer requirements. Some sellers will only ship to a dealer after receiving a copy of the receiving FFL’s license.

Step 2: Select Coastal Firearm Corporation as the receiving FFL

Use the seller’s checkout instructions to identify your receiving dealer. If the seller needs a copy of our FFL, the transferring FFL must contact us by phone or email to request it.

Our contact information is:

• Coastal Firearm Corporation
• 534 S. Navy Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32507
• Phone: 850-725-2500
• Email: Info@cfcguns.com

We are located right outside NAS-Pensacola.

Step 3: Send us your order information

Coastal Firearm Corporation needs the information required to identify and process the incoming firearm. This includes:

• Your full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Order number
• Item number or auction number
• A description of the firearm

Providing complete information helps us match the shipment to your order.

Step 4: The seller ships the firearm

The seller sends the firearm to Coastal Firearm Corporation. If the shipment is coming from another FFL, that dealer should include a copy of its FFL with the firearm.

If the shipment comes from a non-FFL private seller, the seller must include a copy of a photo identification document with the firearm, according to Coastal Firearm’s transfer instructions. Missing information can delay processing.

An individual should not ship an interstate firearm directly to the buyer. The firearm must be transferred through an FFL in the buyer’s state.

Step 5: Wait for delivery and processing

After the firearm arrives, Coastal Firearm Corporation asks customers to allow up to 24 hours for processing after delivery notification.

You are responsible for notifying the dealer that a firearm is incoming and for making pickup arrangements. Do not travel to the store until you have confirmed that the firearm has been processed and is ready.

Step 6: Complete the transfer in person

When you arrive, you will complete the required paperwork, present identification, and undergo the required background check.

The firearm may be transferred only after the dealer receives the required approval and any applicable waiting period has been satisfied.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Firearm Purchase Program provides official information about Florida firearm purchase checks and requirements.

4. Know the Difference Between an Incoming and FFL-to-FFL Transfer

Most people asking about an online order are asking about an incoming transfer. That means a seller sends the firearm to your local dealer, and you receive it from that dealer.

An FFL to FFL transfer is different. It generally refers to a firearm being shipped from one licensed dealer to another licensed dealer.

For example, you may need an FFL to FFL transfer when:

• You sell a firearm to an out-of-state buyer
• You move a firearm to another dealer
• You purchase a firearm through a dealer in another state
• You need a firearm shipped to a dealer selected by the buyer

The receiving dealer may charge its own transfer fee. Shipping charges also apply. If you need Coastal Firearm Corporation to ship a firearm to another FFL, contact us before the transaction so we can explain the current requirements and costs.

Do not assume that an incoming transfer fee also covers outgoing shipping or an FFL to FFL transfer. These are separate services and should be confirmed in advance.

5. Plan for Waiting Periods, Pickup, and Special Items

A transfer fee is only one part of the process. You should also plan for the timing of the background check, Florida waiting-period requirements, and pickup arrangements.

Florida law generally requires a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of a firearm from a licensed dealer, subject to statutory exceptions and local requirements. The waiting period is separate from the transfer fee. A dealer cannot waive a required waiting period simply because the firearm was purchased online.

Bring valid identification and any other documentation requested by the dealer. The information on your identification must meet the requirements for the transaction.

Coastal Firearm Corporation also handles NFA and Class III items, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. These items involve additional federal requirements and may have separate transfer fees and processing timelines.

For any transfer, Coastal Firearm Corporation states that transferred firearms should be picked up promptly. The company reserves the right to sell a transferred firearm that is not picked up within 30 days of receipt. Contact the store if you expect a delay.

Start Your Transfer Near NAS-Pensacola

If you are comparing the FFL transfer fee in Florida, Coastal Firearm Corporation provides a clear standard price for incoming transfers:

• $45 transfer fee
• $5 background check fee
• $50 total

We serve military personnel, law enforcement officers, local residents, and responsible firearm owners in the Pensacola area. Our staff can help you confirm the receiving process, provide FFL information to the seller, and explain what to expect when your firearm arrives.

Before placing your order, contact us at 850-725-2500 or review our FFL transfer service page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is an FFL transfer in Florida?

Fees vary by dealer. Coastal Firearm Corporation currently charges $45 for a standard incoming FFL transfer plus a $5 background check fee, for a total of $50.

Can I have an online firearm shipped directly to my home?

In most interstate purchases, no. The firearm must be shipped to an FFL in your state. You complete the transfer at that dealer after meeting the required federal and state requirements.

Does the $50 fee include shipping?

No. The $50 Coastal Firearm Corporation transfer total does not include shipping charged by the seller or carrier.

What information does Coastal Firearm Corporation need?

We need your name, phone number, email address, order number, item or auction number, and a description of the firearm. The transferring FFL must contact us to request a copy of our license.

Do military and law enforcement discounts apply?

Coastal Firearm Corporation offers military and law enforcement discounts. Ask our staff whether the discount applies to your firearm, transfer service, or another part of the transaction.