What if I don’t have a concealed weapons license or permit?
In Florida you can have a concealed firearm in your vehicle without a permit as long as it is not readily accessible or if it is “securely encased.” Securely encased is defined by Florida Statute 790.001(17) to include a glove compartment, whether locked or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access. So long as it is securely encased, it is legal for you to carry the gun in your car, although not on your person. The other part of the law talks about “readily accessible for immediate use.” If it is close enough to you that it can be retrieved and used as easily and quickly as if carried on the person then it is readily accessible. That is defined by Florida Statute 790.001(16). The classic example of readily accessible is when the gun is under the seat you are sitting in.
Looks to me like a lot of restrictions on having a gun in your car. In NC it doesn't have to be "securely encased" and it can be "readily accessible" and it can be on your person. If the gun is out in open where it is easily seen it's legal. Other than a purchase permit NC is gun friendly. Larry
Nope. No permit required. I can have a concealed gun in a zipped case laying on the seat next to me. Or in a closed box, or rolled up paper bag, anything that has to be opened for access. Readily accessible means not required to gain access--not inside something closed that has to be opened.
"The classic example of readily accessible is when the gun is under the seat you are sitting in."
Being in something closed or a snapped holster negates the "readily accessible" aspect. By FL law, the snapped holster has to be "opened" for access to the gun.
"POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—Notwithstanding subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing herein contained prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on the person. This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as provided in s. 776.012."
As for the touted OC, I grew up in NC and rarely saw anyone OC'ing, and that is still true for the most part. OC is not "illegal" in its entirety in FL, it is restricted to hunting, fishing, camping, and a few other select conditions.