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Florida Criminal Offense

Furnishing Weapons or Firearms to a Minor or Person of Unsound Mind

Furnishing covered weapons to a minor or a person of unsound mind, or knowingly and willfully selling or transferring a firearm to a minor, outside the stated permissions.

Felony or MisdemeanorVaries

Florida Statute

§ 790.17

Furnishing weapons to minors or persons of unsound mind

Quick Summary

The type of item and recipient determine the classification.

Classification Matrix

Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.

Weapon to Minor or Person of Unsound Mind

F.S. § 790.17(1)

MisdemeanorFirst Degree

Covered non-firearm weapon furnished to a minor without required permission, or covered weapon furnished to a person of unsound mind.

Firearm to Minor

F.S. § 790.17(2)(a)

FelonyThird Degree

Knowingly or willfully selling or transferring a firearm to a minor outside the stated permission.

Elements of the Offense

  1. Element 1

    The defendant sold, hired, bartered, lent, transferred, or gave a covered weapon or firearm to a recipient covered by the charged subsection.

    Plain language: Identify the item, transfer act, and recipient.

  2. Element 2

    The transfer lacked the parental or guardian permission required by the charged provision, and was knowing and willful when that mental state is required.

    Plain language: Verify the applicable permission and mental-state requirement.

Additional Notes

Quick Reference

Use the matrix to separate non-firearm weapons furnished to a minor or person of unsound mind from the knowing and willful firearm-transfer subsection.