Stolen Firearm? Lost Firearm? What now?

If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having your firearm stolen, or if you have misplaced or lost your firearm, it is important to know what you are legally required to do and what options you have.  There is no requirement to report a lost or stolen firearm under either federal and Florida law.  However, we strongly advise you report it to law enforcement immediately upon realizing your firearm has been lost or stolen.  This is to protect you from any future implication in any potential crimes and civil liabilities that might arise from the use of your lost or stolen firearm.  In order to properly report the firearm lost or stolen you will need to provide law enforcement with certain information regarding the firearm.  You will need to provide the make and model of the firearm along with its serial number. This is why it is important to maintain all the documentation you received when you purchase the firearm and keep it in a safe location separate from your firearm.  If you have a picture of the firearm, it would be a good idea to give a copy of it to law enforcement.  These days, we advise that when you acquire a new firearm, you take a picture of it, including a close-up of the serial number on your cell phone.  That way you will always have the information if you need it.  Remember, If you would prefer not to report your firearm lost or stolen, that is perfectly alright, as we said, there is no legal requirement to report it lost or stolen.  The decision to report or not to report the lost or stolen firearm is entirely your decision.

David S. Katz

About Expert Firearm Attorney David Katz. David Katz is an Expert Firearm Attorney and has been practicing law for over 14 years. He began his career as a prosecutor in Seminole County, Florida.   There, he gained invaluable experience analyzing how...
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