Quick Answer
In Florida, any person 18 or older who is not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm can keep a loaded handgun in their vehicle without a Concealed Weapon License (CWL). However, the firearm must be concealed from view and must be "securely encased" (e.g., inside a glovebox, center console, zipped bag, or closed box).
The "Securely Encased" Trap
When Florida passed Permitless Carry (HB 543), it confused millions of drivers who thought they could now carry guns however they wanted. Florida retained its highly specific vehicle storage terminology under F.S. 790.25(5).
F.S. 790.25(5)
Vehicle Exception
It is lawful to possess a concealed firearm for self-defense within the interior of a private conveyance without a license, as long as the firearm is "securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use."
What Does It Mean?
Legal Definitions
A gun tucked loosely under the driver's seat or resting under a towel on the passenger seat is illegal because it is not securely encased. A gun resting inside an unlocked center console or a zippered range bag on the floorboard is perfectly legal.
Employer Parking Lot Protections
Under F.S. 790.251, Florida employers are legally prohibited from firing you or searching your vehicle for keeping a firearm in your car while at work. However, the law explicitly requires the firearm to be securely encased and locked inside the private motor vehicle. If you leave your car unlocked, or leave the gun visible, your employer can legally terminate you.
Florida "Securely Encased" Workplace Safes
To maintain your legal protections against employer termination in Florida, your firearm must be locked inside your vehicle. With rampant smash-and-grab thefts across Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, locking your gun in a tethered vehicle safe satisfies the law and stops criminals.
ONNAIS Alloy SE
A modern smart-safe with USB-C charging, 4-way access, and a heavy-duty steel cable to tether directly to your car seat frame.
ONNAIS Iron Pro
Solid steel construction and an anti-pry lid ensure your firearm stays secure while your vehicle is parked in an employer's lot.
ONNAIS Iron SE
Delivers premium biometric security, keypad backup, and a heavy-duty tethering cable at a highly accessible price point.
Duty to Inform Law Enforcement
Florida is a "No Duty to Inform" state. There is no statute requiring you to proactively announce that you have a firearm in the vehicle when you are stopped by a police officer. However, if an officer specifically asks you if there are weapons in the vehicle, you must not lie, as that can lead to secondary obstruction charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can out-of-state visitors carry a loaded gun in their car in Florida?
Yes. Florida's permitless vehicle carry laws apply to both residents and non-residents alike. Any person who is not legally disqualified from owning a firearm can carry a loaded, concealed, securely encased handgun in their vehicle while traveling through Florida.