SB 1670 Summary

• Creates a prohibition on manufacturing, importing, possessing, purchasing, selling, or transferring assault weapons and large-capacity magazines (defined as holding more than 10 rounds) effective July 1, 2013, with exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, licensed dealers supplying government agencies, and dealers selling to out-of-state dealers.

• Establishes a grace period allowing persons who lawfully possessed assault weapons or large-capacity magazines before July 1, 2013, until December 31, 2013, to transfer them out of state, render them inoperable, or register them with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (limited to three magazines per weapon).

• Makes violation of the prohibition a second-degree felony, with seized weapons and magazines to be destroyed within 60 days if the person is convicted or fails to demonstrate lawful ownership within 10 days of acquittal.

• Requires licensed firearm dealers to post conspicuous warnings (1-inch block letters) at purchase counters regarding registration deadlines and criminal penalties, and mandates sheriffs to conduct background checks and maintain registration records including weapon descriptions and serial numbers.

• Increases minimum sentencing for felonies involving assault weapons from 15 to 20 years imprisonment, from 20 to 25 years for discharge of such weapons, and to 25 years to life if discharge causes death or great bodily harm.