Q: Can I legally defend myself with a pistol that I buy legally at age 19 with no repercussions? If no, what could I face?

A: In 2018, after a 19-year-old carried out a mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida, the state enacted a law prohibiting minors under age 21 from purchasing firearms. The law also prohibits licensed dealers from making or facilitating the sale or transfer of a firearm to a person under 21 years of age. However, Florida law does not prohibit minors between ages 18 and 21 from possessing firearms.

That said, your age makes no difference to whether or not you act in self defense, defense of another or if Florida’s Stand Your Ground law applies. The facts will govern if any defenses apply.

A: I agree with Mr. Blecher and would add that, for people in most situations, it is generally not wise to possess a handgun for "self-defense” purposes. Statistically, handgun holders are much more likely to have one or more of the following happen than EVER needing to actually use their firearm in a clear-cut case of self-defense: (A) firearm-holder says he/she used it in self-defense, but the situation is not clear-cut, so the firearm holder is arrested, jailed, and prosecuted, (B) firearm gets stolen, so it ends up in the wrong hands, (C) firearm holder loses temper and shoots in anger, resulting in prosecution, (D) firearm is accidentally discharged by firearm-holder or family member, resulting in injury or death, or (E) a cop sees firearm-holder with firearm out and shoots first, asks questions later. Look at your safety alternatives, such as burglar alarm and/or dog for your home and avoiding whatever situation is causing you to be nervous about your safety outside.