FL S0218

Amends the definition of "minor" in firearm safe storage law to mean a person younger than 16 years of age.

Requires persons in control of a premise with a loaded firearm to keep it in a securely locked box or container or secured with a trigger lock if they know or reasonably should know a minor is likely to gain access without permission or required supervision.

Removes the exception allowing firearms to be kept within close proximity to a person's body as an alternative to secure storage.

Changes the violation from a conditional misdemeanor (only when a minor actually accesses and exhibits the firearm) to a strict misdemeanor of the second degree for failure to store firearms as required.

Requires child-placing agencies to use a form during adoption home studies that provides prospective adoptive applicants with the verbatim language of the firearm safe storage statute; effective July 1, 2018.