Most Floridians can carry and use stun guns or Tasers, but only for self-defense.
Florida doesn't require a license to buy or carry a stun gun or Taser that's designed for self-defense. However, there are restrictions on possession and use of these weapons by certain people and in certain circ*mstances. Read on for details.
In This Article- What Counts as a Stun Gun Under Florida Law?
- Who May Not Have Electric Weapons in Florida?
- Limits on Minors' Possession and Use of Electric Weapons
- When It's Illegal to Carry a Stun Gun in Florida
- Illegal Use of a Stun Gun or Taser in Florida
- Getting More Information and Legal Help
What Counts as a Stun Gun Under Florida Law?
Both stun guns and Tasers can temporarily incapacitate a person with an electrical charge, but the devices work differently. A stun gun delivers a painful shock only when you touch a person directly with the device. A Taser (a brand name that has become the popular term for this type of device) shoots darts from a distance and delivers an electrical current through wires attached to the darts. Tasers actually disrupt the target's neuromuscular system.
Florida uses the term "electric weapon" for both types of devices when they're designed or intended for offensive or defensive purposes, the destruction of life, or the infliction of injury (Fla. Stat. § 790.001 (2019)).
Who May Not Have Electric Weapons in Florida?
In Florida, it's a felony to purchase, possess, or use an electric weapon if you:
- have been convicted of a felony and haven't had your criminal record expunged or your civil rights restored in Florida, or
- are under the age of 24 and were convicted of a juvenile offense that would have been a felony had it been committed by an adult.
(Fla. Stat. § 790.23 (2019).)
Limits on Minors' Possession and Use of Electric Weapons
If you're younger than 16, you may not use a stun gun or Taser in Florida unless you're under the direct supervision of an adult who's acting with your parent's consent.
Parents or other responsible adults will face misdemeanor charges if they knowingly allow minors under 16 to use or even possess these weapons without supervision and parental consent. It's also a misdemeanor to give or sell an electric weapon to anyone younger than 18 without parental permission. (Fla. Stat. §§ 790.17(1), 790.22 (2019).)
When It's Illegal to Carry a Stun Gun in Florida
It's illegal in Florida to carry a stun gun or Taser (either openly or concealed) for any purpose other than self-defense. In addition, the weapon itself must be nonlethal and designed solely for defensive purposes.
It is also against state law to carry a stun gun on school property or a school bus, at a school bus stop, or at a school-sponsored event. This prohibition applies to K-12 schools as well as career centers, colleges, and all postsecondary schools.
Law enforcement officers are exempt from all these restrictions. (Fla. Stat. §§ 790.01, 790.053, 790.115 (2019).)
Illegal Use of a Stun Gun or Taser in Florida
It's a crime in Florida to brandish an electric weapon in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening way, unless it's necessary for self-defense. The crime is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony if you do it on or near school property (during school hours) or during a school-sponsored event.
You can also be charged with a third-degree felony if you:
- show, use, threaten, or try to use an electric weapon while you're under indictment or are trying to commit a felony (other than certain nonviolent felonies); or
- purposefully use a stun gun against an on-duty peace officer.
(Fla. Stat. §§ 790.054, 790.07, 790.10, 790.115(1).)
Look Out for Legal Changes
States can change their laws at any time, so it's always a good idea to check the current Florida statutes by using this search tool.
Getting More Information and Legal Help
You should be aware that there could be local ordinances or regulations on stun guns and Tasers. Check with your local law enforcement agency or a local lawyer to learn more.
If you're facing criminal charges that involve the use of one of these weapons, strongly consider speaking to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
FAQs
Stun guns and Tasers
Is it legal to carry a stun gun in Florida? ›
Most Floridians can carry and use stun guns or Tasers, but only for self-defense. Florida doesn't require a license to buy or carry a stun gun or Taser that's designed for self-defense. However, there are restrictions on possession and use of these weapons by certain people and in certain circ*mstances.
What's the difference between a stun gun and a taser? ›
Stun guns are close - proximity devices that require you to be next to the person attacking you. They use a painful shock to discourage further contact. On the other hand, a TASER uses projectile prongs that attach to a target further away—up to 15 feet.
Can I use a taser to protect myself? ›
As to stun guns or tasers, California law allows you to purchase, possess, or carry them for lawful self-defense.
What is the legal voltage for a stun gun? ›
Emax = 30,000 V
When stun gun contacts are placed 1 cm apart, voltage cannot exceed 30,000 V.
What is legal to carry for self-defense in Florida? ›
(2) A person may openly carry, for purposes of lawful self-defense: (a) A self-defense chemical spray. (b) A nonlethal stun gun or dart-firing stun gun or other nonlethal electric weapon or device that is designed solely for defensive purposes.
Can you bring a stun gun in your carry on? ›
Can you bring a Taser on an aircraft? Tasers, as with stun guns, can be brought on your air travel but it must be packed in your checked in baggage, and must be transported in a way that renders it inoperable from accidental discharge, hence the battery must be removed and packed separately.
Will a stun gun stop an attacker? ›
Stun Guns are highly effective self-defense tools for men and women that emit electrical currents which can cause a would-be attacker to feel pain. The charge can also disorient the assailant, allowing you a chance to escape to safety.
What states is it illegal to carry a stun gun? ›
Currently, having a stun gun or Taser is legal in all states except for Hawaii and Rhode Island. At the same time, special permission is required in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Are mini stun guns effective? ›
This mini stun gun is smaller than a cell phone and can slide easily into pockets and bags. But don't underestimate it—even with its small size and low cost, this stun gun is strong enough to disarm an attacker.
TASER Ownership Quick Guide
Permit not required for purchase. Carrying within grocery stores and private businesses is allowed unless otherwise posted by owner. Carrying within state and local government buildings including schools is not allowed.
What is the best self-defense weapon to carry? ›
The best self-defense weapon is the one that you are most comfortable with and that you use properly. Some common self-defense weapons include pepper spray, expandable batons, pocket knives, stun guns, and tasers. All of these can be effective in different situations.
Should I carry pepper spray or a taser? ›
While both offer some distance, pepper spray can be wafted away by the wind to some extent, or back into your own face. In other words, you may want to get closer to be more effective. A Taser is as effective as your aim, so if you're able to make contact with the torso, it doesn't matter how close you are.
What is the best stun gun? ›
- The Best Stun Gun. Vipertek VTS-979. Powerful, Versatile, and Dependable. If you could feel anything while being shocked by the 52,000,000 volts from this stun gun, it would be regret. ...
- Budget Stun Gun. Vipertek VTS-880. Inexpensive, Effective, and Durable. ...
- Best TASER. TASER Pulse. Ranged, Lightweight, and Dependable.
Well, most police-grade tasers are about 50,000 volts.
How much is a stun gun vs taser? ›
Prices range from $129.99 for the rechargeable Strikelight contact stun gun to $1,599.99 for the two-shot TASER 7Q.
Can you open carry in Florida now? ›
Fact: Open carry is still illegal in Florida under most circ*mstances. You may openly carry a firearm if you are engaged in or traveling to / from fishing, camping, hunting, or test / target shooting. Myth: Anybody can get a firearm without a background check.
Can I carry a pocket knife in Florida? ›
Florida Knife Length Law
Blades shorter than four inches, like those of a pen knife or pocket knife, can be concealed on your person or in a bag or purse without a permit. If you wish to carry a concealed knife with a blade longer than four inches, you will need a deadly weapon concealed carry permit.
Can security guards carry Tasers in Florida? ›
There is no licensing for tasers in Florida. As long as you are not prohibited from possessing one, or in restricted locations (schools for example), and only use it for self defense, anyone can carry a taser.
