HB 1143 - Imitation Firearms

• Prohibits knowingly selling imitation firearms for commercial purposes in Florida on or after January 1, 2017, with limited exceptions for historical replicas, certain BB/airsoft/paintball guns, brightly colored devices, and transparent devices (violations are first-degree misdemeanors).

• Prohibits knowingly altering or removing required safety markings/colors on imitation firearms or adding such markings to actual firearms to make them resemble imitation firearms on or after January 1, 2017 (first-degree misdemeanor violations).

• Prohibits knowingly displaying or exposing imitation firearms in public places on or after January 1, 2017, with exceptions for packaged items, theatrical/commercial use, sporting events, hunting, shooting ranges, permitted parades/events, and museum displays (first-degree misdemeanor violation).

• Requires imitation firearm packaging manufactured after July 1, 2016, to include conspicuous written warnings that the product may be mistaken for a firearm and that altering or displaying it may result in criminal penalties (failure to comply is a first-degree misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, escalating to $5,000 or $10,000 for repeat offenders).

• Effective date: October 1, 2015.