Birmingham, AL asked in Constitutional Law for Alabama

Q: I am 18 years old and I am seeing confusion on the January 1st bill signed for constitutional carry.

Some say that anyone 18 years of age or older are permitted to conceal carry in the state without permit, some say you must be military or emergency services to carry at 18, and some say you must be 19. I would like clarification.

Also, I will be moving to Florida here in the next month or so. And moving by myself 10 hours away gives me my concerns. I am aware that you must be 21 to conceal carry in Florida, but i would like clarification on my ability to carry my firearm in my personal vehicle, when not readily accessible, and my ability to keep a fire arm in my housing for self defense situations.

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James L. Arrasmith
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  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Under the constitutional carry law in Alabama, effective January 1st, individuals 18 years and older are generally allowed to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, there are exceptions, such as for individuals who are prohibited from carrying firearms due to certain legal reasons. It's important to familiarize yourself with these exceptions to ensure compliance with the law.

As for Florida, the rules are indeed different. In Florida, you must be 21 years old to legally carry a concealed firearm. However, regarding your concern about having a firearm in your vehicle for self-defense, Florida law does allow an individual to have a securely encased or not readily accessible firearm in their vehicle without a concealed carry permit. This means the firearm must be in a glove compartment, locked box, or other secure container.

For keeping a firearm in your home for self-defense, you are generally allowed to do so. Florida law recognizes the right to possess a firearm within one's home for self-defense purposes, regardless of your age.

Given the nuances in firearm laws and the importance of adhering to them, it's advisable to review the specific statutes of each state and consider consulting with an attorney to ensure full understanding and compliance with the laws, especially as they pertain to your individual circumstances. Remember, firearm laws can vary significantly between states, and it's crucial to be informed about these differences.

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