Carry in the Keys?

Dreamer · Sep 12, 2010

My wife and I may be taking a short vacation in Key West this fall.

I have a NC CHP (which is recognized in FL), and wondered if there is anything I need to know about, with regards to carry in the Keys, specifically Key West.

I know that CC is required (No OC in FL...), but I was wondering if there are any specific issues (local prohibitions, prohibited areas, places to avoid, requirement to notify LEOs, etc) that I should know about while vacationing in the Keys.

We will be flying from Dulles or BWI (Dulles if I have anything to say about it, due to flying with a handgun) and I will most likely be carrying a Glock 36.

Thanks in advance!

JeepSeller · Sep 13, 2010

Florida is actually pretty easy.

There is no requirement to inform.
No carry in bars. You CAN carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, just stay out of the "bar" area of the restaurant. (NOTE: The "bar area" is under some debate in Florida. Is it the actual, fancy wood bar with the bar stools, or does it include the entire sectioned off "bar area"?. Use your own discretion.)

Posted "no guns" signs are a waste of space in Florida and carry no legal weight. If it's not in the below prohibited list, it's good to go in Florida. Now, bear in mind that a property owner retains the right to ask you to leave if he discovers you disregarded the sign he went to so much trouble to put up. You may encounter county or city properties or parks that indicate no weapons. Again, not legal, state preemption stuff. However, keep in mind that local authorities may not be savvy on state preemption stuff. The trick is....conceal well, enjoy and safe travels.

The fact you're going to Key West doesn't change anything, well, except for the fact that Key West has a LOT of bars. And remember when that irresistible urge to romp in the surf hits, guns don't much like salt water, even Glocks. ROFL

Here's a couple websites for some light reading. Always wise to read up on the laws of where you're headed.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/in...ing=&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.06.html

Pay particular attention to this section...

(12)

No license issued pursuant to this section shall authorize any person to carry a concealed weapon or firearm into any place of nuisance as defined in s. 823.05; any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station; any detention facility, prison, or jail; any courthouse; any courtroom, except that nothing in this section would preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in his or her courtroom; any polling place; any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district; any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof; any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms; any school administration building; any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose; any elementary or secondary school facility; any career center; any college or university facility unless the licensee is a registered student, employee, or faculty member of such college or university and the weapon is a stun gun or nonlethal electric weapon or device designed solely for defensive purposes and the weapon does not fire a dart or projectile; inside the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport, provided that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, which firearm is encased for shipment for purposes of checking such firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft; or any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law. Any person who willfully violates any provision of this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

esavinon51 · Sep 13, 2010

Perfect Explaination!! Enjoy Your Stay in Florida..

Rich7553 · Sep 14, 2010

JeepSeller said:
Florida is actually pretty easy.

There is no requirement to inform.
No carry in bars. You CAN carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, just stay out of the "bar" area of the restaurant. (NOTE: The "bar area" is under some debate in Florida. Is it the actual, fancy wood bar with the bar stools, or does it include the entire sectioned off "bar area"?. Use your own discretion.)

Posted "no guns" signs are a waste of space in Florida and carry no legal weight. If it's not in the below prohibited list, it's good to go in Florida. Now, bear in mind that a property owner retains the right to ask you to leave if he discovers you disregarded the sign he went to so much trouble to put up. You may encounter county or city properties or parks that indicate no weapons. Again, not legal, state preemption stuff. However, keep in mind that local authorities may not be savvy on state preemption stuff. The trick is....conceal well, enjoy and safe travels.

The fact you're going to Key West doesn't change anything, well, except for the fact that Key West has a LOT of bars. And remember when that irresistible urge to romp in the surf hits, guns don't much like salt water, even Glocks. ROFL

Here's a couple websites for some light reading. Always wise to read up on the laws of where you're headed.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/in...ing=&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.06.html

Pay particular attention to this section...

I've done a bit of research in the area of local ordinances and such. As far as KW is concerned, and I realize this sounds positively daft, but the only ordinance I could find prohibits the carry of firearms in the cemetery. It exempts law enforcement officers and honor guards. You may also want to be aware that carry into seaports is also prohibited, whether there is one there or not I cannot say. Other than that, visit Margaritaville on Duval. Nice place, great T-shirts.

Rich

Dreamer · Sep 15, 2010

Thanks everyone. I'll take this all into consideration if we decide to go to the Keys this fall. You've been very helpful and cordial.

if y'all ever come up to the Tarheel state feel free to post in the NC forum. I can tell you where all the great BBQ places are...

ZO6Vettever · Sep 16, 2010

I have lived in Key West for about 33 years. I remember when y'all didn't feel the need to be strapped here. Not so anymore. Duval Street has it's share of "gangsta wanna be's" ready to jack you. Not like major city criminals but a little dangerous non the less. Everybody is drunk and fights start quick, especially with the young people. The homeless are annoying but harmless. Two 62 year old men were robbed and beaten recently 15 minutes and 4 blocks apart by 4, 17-20 year olds. After giving their valuables up one was beaten to need hospital care and the other was air lifted to Miami. My wife and I are 62 and 63 and always strapped plus we avoid downtown at night. Early downtown dinner and a couple cocktails and go home. Old as we are we would like to hang out at Durty Harry's and rock the night away like we used to but carrying a weapon in a bar is a no-no here so we stay out. Don't let me scare y'all because I'm sure our crime rate here is much less than most other areas. Just don't let your guard down.

JeepSeller · Sep 16, 2010

ZO6Vettever said:
..... Just don't let your guard down.

Sage advice for ANY unfamiliar city.

Thanks for the "inside" scoop ZO6Vettever!

We have a couple "downtown-bar-entertainment" areas ourselves. I'm w/you. It'd be nice to be able to go, enjoy a drink or two, kick up the heels on the dance floor, sing some karaoke, munch some pub-grub and feel safe going between car and bar. But, unfortunately, in Florida anyway, one must chose between the fun and the gun. LOL

Carry in the Keys?

Dreamer

Regular Member

JeepSeller

Regular Member

esavinon51

Regular Member

Rich7553

Regular Member

Dreamer

Regular Member

ZO6Vettever

Regular Member

JeepSeller

Regular Member