You found the firearm you want online and the seller cannot ship it directly to you. Federal law requires the firearm to ship to a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer (FFL) in your state, who then transfers it to you legally. This page is a high-level overview of what that looks like in Florida.
Why FFL transfers exist
Federal law (the Gun Control Act of 1968) requires firearms crossing state lines to go through an FFL dealer who performs the same background check and paperwork as if you bought the firearm from them directly. In Florida, that also means an FDLE background check, ATF Form 4473 paperwork, and — for non-CWL holders — the state's 3-day waiting period under F.S. 790.0655.
The process — at a glance
In short: pick an FFL dealer locally, give the seller the dealer's FFL info, the firearm ships to the dealer, the dealer logs it in, and you complete paperwork in person. With a Florida CWL, you can take possession the same day. Without one, the 3-day wait applies before pickup.
Once our FFL is approved, transfers start at $35.
Join the Early Access ListWhat to expect on fees
Florida FFL transfer fees vary. Tampa-area pricing is generally $35–$50 for the first firearm and $20–$25 for each additional in the same transfer. The $5 FDLE check is a pass-through. NFA transfers (suppressors, SBRs) run higher because of the paperwork involved.
Watch for bundled fees
Some shops advertise a low transfer fee and then add "handling," "paperwork," or "FDLE processing" charges. Confirm the all-in price before you commit a dealer to your transfer.
The Florida 3-day waiting period
Florida's 3-day waiting period (F.S. 790.0655) applies to most firearm purchases, including transfers. It counts business days only. A valid Florida CWL waives the wait. Active-duty military with a DoD ID are also exempt. Out-of-state concealed carry permits do not waive the Florida wait.
FDLE check, in plain English
Florida's FDLE background check effectively replaces the federal NICS check for in-state purchases. Most check results come back "proceed" within seconds. Some return as "delayed" — typically because a name matches an unrelated record — and are usually resolved in a few business days.
What can and cannot ship to you directly
- Handguns and long guns — Must ship to an FFL.
- Ammunition — Can ship to your address. Florida has no separate ammunition background check.
- Most accessories and parts — Can ship to you directly. AR-15 receivers and similar regulated components go to an FFL.
- NFA items (suppressors, SBRs) — Ship to a Class 3 dealer for the Form 4 process.
What to expect from Nobles Firearms
Once our FFL is approved by the ATF, Nobles Firearms will offer fair, transparent transfer pricing — flat $35 for the first firearm and $20 for each additional, with no surprise "handling" or "processing" fees on the back end. Active training students get $25 transfers (or free with a class). You will know the all-in price before you commit.
Join the early-access list — first to know when our FFL clears.
Get on the List