Florida Firearm Bill of Sale — Formal with Notary
Includes a Notary Public acknowledgement section for states or parties that require notarization.
Required fields in this template
Seller full name, address & ID number
Buyer full name, address & ID number
Firearm make, model, and caliber/gauge
Serial number (legally required)
Type of firearm (handgun / rifle / shotgun / other)
Condition (new / used / as-is)
Sale price
Date of sale
Seller signature & date
Buyer signature & date
Buyer eligibility statement (not a prohibited person)
Florida legal requirements
Florida does not require notarization. Signatures from both parties are sufficient.
Requirements vary significantly by state. Always verify the buyer's eligibility before transfer. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) prohibits transfer to prohibited persons regardless of state law.
What is a Firearm Bill of Sale?
A firearm bill of sale is a private-party transfer document that records the sale of a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other legal firearm between two individuals. It captures the firearm's make, model, caliber, and serial number alongside buyer and seller identifications — creating a written record that protects both parties and demonstrates the legal transfer of possession.
When do you need one?
- Private-party sale of any firearm between two eligible individuals
- Gifting a legal firearm to an eligible family member
- Estate or trust transfer of firearms to authorized heirs
- Sale of a vintage or collectible firearm where provenance matters
- Any state where private transfers require documentation (check local laws)
About the Formal with Notary style
The Formal Notary template includes a complete Notary Public Acknowledgement section at the bottom — with fields for county, date, notary signature, and seal. It is designed for states or individuals that require (or prefer) notarized bill of sale documents.
Best for
Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, or West Virginia where notarization is legally required; or any transaction where a lender, insurer, or government office demands a notarized document.
Why this layout?
Even in states where notarization is optional, a notarized bill of sale carries significantly more legal weight — making it much harder for either party to later claim the transaction was coerced or fraudulent.
Legal risks of skipping a bill of sale
A firearm bill of sale without proper documentation exposes both buyer and seller to significant liability.
Transfer to a prohibited person
Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)) makes it a felony to transfer a firearm to someone you know or have reasonable cause to believe is prohibited — including convicted felons, domestic abusers, or persons involuntarily committed. A signed bill of sale with buyer eligibility statement creates a record of due diligence.
Seller liability for post-sale use
Without documentation of the sale, a firearm traced back to the original registered owner can implicate the seller in crimes committed with the weapon after the sale. A bill of sale establishing the date and transfer of possession is critical protection.
Missing serial number = federal crime
Every legal firearm has a serial number. Knowingly buying or selling a firearm with an obliterated or missing serial number is a federal felony. Always record and verify the serial number in the bill of sale.
How to fill the Formal with Notary template
- 1
Complete Sections 1–3 before visiting the notary — do NOT sign yet
- 2
Bring government-issued photo ID for both parties to the notary appointment
- 3
The notary will verify identities, witness the signatures, and complete the bottom Acknowledgement section
- 4
The notary then applies their official seal to complete the document
- 5
The original (with seal) should stay with the party who needs it for registration or filing
Tips for Florida firearm bill of sale transactions
Verify the buyer is at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns (federal minimums)
Record the complete serial number — verify it against the physical firearm before signing
Consider requesting a copy of the buyer's government-issued ID and retaining it
Check Florida FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) for any voluntary background check options
Never transfer a firearm if you have reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person
Frequently asked questions — Florida Firearm Bill of Sale
Does Florida require a background check for private firearm sales?
No. Florida does not require a background check for private-party firearm transfers between individuals (not dealers). However, the seller remains responsible for not knowingly transferring to a prohibited person under federal law.
Is a firearm bill of sale legally required in Florida?
Florida does not mandate a bill of sale for private firearm transfers, but it is strongly recommended. It establishes the date of transfer, price, and both parties' identifications — protecting the seller from future liability.
Do I need to notify anyone when I sell a gun privately in Florida?
Florida currently has no mandatory reporting requirement for private firearm sales. However, this area of law is evolving — always check current Florida Statutes Chapter 790 before completing a transfer.
Can I sell a firearm with a suppressor (silencer) privately?
Suppressors are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Their transfer — even privately — requires ATF Form 4 approval and a $200 tax stamp. A bill of sale alone is not sufficient for NFA items.
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