Customer Reviews

Florida firearms: Law, use & ownership (1999)

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As a certified firearms instructor, and former prosecuting attorney, I had many opportunities to lecture on the law of firearms, weapons, and self-defense. Over the years, it became clear that very few people had any idea of how the laws were actually interpreted, and what they really meant. After being asked several times, I finally put "Florida Firearms - Law, Use & Ownership" together in 1993. Now, it's 1998, and it's in it's fourth edition!

The purpose of the book was to explain every facet of Florida and Federal firearms law that an ordinary individual would need to know, including NFA weapons, chemical and electric weapons, constitutional issues, and self-defense. The next problem was to put in it a format that was easy to understand, that was enjoyable, and that would be "fast" reading. After two thousand or so hours of work -- this was accomplished, and the book found a ready market with people who wanted to know what they could and could not do, legally. The second edition added a section on assault weapons, as well as extensive endnotes, because quite a few attorneys were using the book, and we also had a number of law enforcement agencies that had bought it, and they all wanted to have case and statutory references to verify the content.

Since then, the book just keeps getting bigger. It's sold over 20,000 copies in Florida, alone -- and is being used in over eighty law enforcement agencies, seven police academies, and is in the library of every Florida appellate court, including the Florida Supreme Court. Pretty good, for a local book.

As laws change, the book is revised, and we offer updates to purchasers twice a year. Everytime I think I've had enough of rewriting, I get a letter from someone that the book has helped, and I renew my efforts, once again. It's the only book that covers Florida and Federal laws, regulations, and cases, and blends them into an explanation of how they really work. There is also a short section on North Carolina law, since half of Florida seems to go there on vacation. Hope you like it.

Why ... well probably beacuse if you carry you probably also have a concealed wepons permit and of course are an honest citizen with no felony etc convictions on you record ....

Well, because you are honest and you don't have that much exposure to police or the darker side of this world you will be just like a duck out of water in case you have to use your gun and law enforcemnt is called in .... Just the fact that you used your gun may mean that you are in deep deep doo doo because the laws, state, federal, municipal etc etc (seems like every idiot in the elected world want's to write a law of some kind) specifically detail of where, how, when and why you may discharge your weapon. Bring into play that these laws overlap and are confusing, you, mr citizen are then either in the total hands of the local police, or a lawyer that understands the gun lwas ....

Let me tell you ... if there is any advice that I can give anyone that is:

1) Buy and read this book ....

2) If in trouble keep your mouth shut ....

3) Let your lawyer explain why you used your gun .....

Fabulous book written by Jon H. Gutmacher P.A....

I got this book shortly after I came to Florida. It is essential reading. Granted, the law itself is on-line and shorter than this book, but you need the interpretations and case law results of this book to sort out what it all really means. First class in every respect.

After reading this book I read it again and once again! This book is as important to owning a gun in Florida as the Ammo! Anyone reading this book will want the get a concealed Carry permit even if you are just going to carry a can of pepper spray! It does not make sense to own a gun in Florida without the permit. The book is great at explaining different circumstances and how the law applies to permit holders and non permit holders differently. It is well written and entertaining. Jon has some funny bits in there. Read the book don't become one of Jon's "Test Cases"! Buy one to read, one for the car and one for everyone you know that owns a gun. It my be the best investment you ever make! Jail is so over rated!

This book was recommended to me by my instructor and I can see why. The book is an excellent resource for Florida fire-arm information. My purchase went extremely well. I received the book in great condition and I received it in an expedient manner.
I recommend this book and the company from which I purchased it very highly.

If you own a firearm in Florida, you must have this book! Firearm laws are numerous and complicated -- one slip and you're a felon. Gutmacher covers the whole range of situations you might face, and explains the law in understandable terms.

This book can save your life -- get it and read it now!

Thoughtful citizens learn that to properly prepare to prevail in an armed self-defense incident, we should invest substantial effort in the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual realms. This book answers the mail, written simply, with some humor and alot of common sense lessons we can apply if the occasion should arise. Well done!

This book updated on a yearly basis, is a solid source of legal history, background and practicalities of purchasing and use of handguns in the state of Florida. From the statutes pertaining to legal purchase, acquiring a concealed weapons license or transportation of fireamrs with and without permits are discussed. Each section covers statutes specific to a topic followed by explanations in laymen's terms. A helpful section is the question and answer format based upon Frequently Asked Questions. The summary charts of statutes and restrictions is helpful and should be earmarked for quick reference. Great detail regarding Florida statutes, as well as Federal guidelines, regulations and restrictions are discussed. The transportation of a firearm by public mode of transportation, as well as interstate travel, are covered.

There is a bias of the author to recommend that any gun owner should have a Concealed Weapons Permit. After reading this book, I tend to agree with him. One of the strangest legal oversights is that you are not authorized to transport your gun from the car to your apartment or condo by walking through the common areas. A lot of scenarios are outlined in the book and many potential scenarios are still untested in the court system. It is emphasized that you do hire legal counsel if your rights are ever in question. A scary thought is that some law enforcement officers are not intimately aware of the nuiances of concealed carry licenses, and the author encourages the reader to actually store the book in your vehicle for scenarios whereby law enforcement may be contradicting what you have learned from the book.

Make no assumptions about the law. Inform yourself and be prepared well in advance before you make the wrong decision which can earn you a place in prison.

If you own a gun in Florida, this is a must read.

If you own a firearm in Florida then this is a must read. Very informative, breaks down Florida gun law into easy to understand language.

Very well written. Explains the Florida gun laws in detail and in easy to understand manner.