SB 462 – Assault Weapons and Large-Capacity Magazines (Florida, 2023)

• Prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of specifically enumerated assault weapons (including AK and AR series firearms, named handguns, and shotguns) and large-capacity magazines (defined as ammunition feeding devices accepting more than 10 rounds), effective October 1, 2023

• Individuals who lawfully possessed assault weapons or large-capacity magazines before October 1, 2023, must apply to the Department of Law Enforcement for a certificate of possession by October 1, 2024, including a thumbprint, background investigation, and detailed weapon description

• Criminal penalties include a third-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years imprisonment for illegal sale/transfer, a second-degree felony with a 6-year mandatory minimum for transfers to persons under 18, and a third-degree felony with a 1-year mandatory minimum for illegal possession

• Certified assault weapons may only be possessed at the owner's residence, business, shooting ranges, or firearms exhibitions, and may only be sold or transferred to licensed gun dealers or passed through bequest/intestate succession

• Enhances existing sentencing under s. 775.087 for felonies committed with an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine, imposing mandatory minimums of 15 years for possession during a felony, 20 years for discharge, and 25 years to life if discharge causes death or great bodily harm