As a firearms instructor and father, nothing concerns me more than preventable accidents involving children and firearms. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, an average of 350 children under 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else each year in the United States.
Florida Statute 790.174 requires gun owners to store firearms securely if they know or reasonably should know that a minor under 16 could gain access. Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the outcome. This law exists because secure storage saves lives.
The gold standard is a full-size gun safe with a combination or electronic lock. For bedside access, biometric safes that open with your fingerprint provide rapid entry in emergencies while remaining inaccessible to children. Cable locks and trigger locks add an additional layer of security for firearms not stored in a safe.
Talk to your children about firearms safety at an age-appropriate level. Teach them the simple rule: if you see a gun, stop, do not touch it, leave the area, and tell an adult. Curiosity is natural, but education removes the mystery and reduces the temptation to handle firearms unsupervised.
When your children visit other homes, do not hesitate to ask other parents if they have firearms and how they are stored. This conversation may feel awkward, but it is no different from asking about allergies or pool safety. Responsible gun owners understand and respect this question.
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