Don’t get caught without a gun… or without knowing the law during Hurricane Irma!

A ton of people have been asking about whether or not they can carry a firearm during a mandatory evacuation or state of emergency.

This is our clarification on the law – but if you feel like reading lawyerese, here’s the link to the full text of the law.

All lawful citizens may carry a concealed firearm with (or without!) a license to carry during a mandatory evacuation

So, you ARE allowed to conceal a firearm without a license to carry if the following conditions are true:

• You can legally own and posses a firearm (18 years old for BOTH handguns and rifles)
• You are “in the act of evacuating during a mandatory evacuation order issued during a state of emergency declared by the Governor, or declared by a local authority

Voluntary evacuation, or urging, does not fall within this law.

What does “in the act of evacuating” actually mean?

The State of Florida defines “in the act of evacuating” as:

• The immediate and urgent movement of a person away from the evacuation zone within 48 hours after a mandatory evacuation is ordered.
• The 48 hours may be extended by an order issued by 40 the Governor.

IMPORTANT: Remember the 3 Rules, follow the law!

Don’t be the reason that Florida changes a perfectly good law: do NOT get in the news because you accidentally fire a round into your leg (or another person!) while holstering your concealed carry firearm.

Remember the 3 Rules of Safe Gun Handling:

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

This law allows you to carry – but it does NOT allow you to use the firearm in an unlawful way. You cannot use your firearm unless you (or another human) is in fear of death or serious bodily injury. Forget about “stand your ground” – and use your head.