• Gun without silencerGun image by __PeTe__ from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida seems to have more relaxed laws related to firearms than most states. Although gun silencers are not legal in every state, they are legal in Florida. It is even legal to own a machine gun in the Sunshine State. There is no specific law directed at silencers under Florida state law.
  
  A gun silencer falls under the definition of a "firearm". Under Florida Statute Chapter 790 Section 790.001, the definition of a firearm is "any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device; or any machine gun..."
  
  

Possession and Lawful Purposes of Firearms and Gun Silencers

• In Florida, it is lawful to own or possess and use a firearm, including a gun silencer. Under section 790.25 you may use a gun silencer with your weapon for the purpose of target practice and marksmanship on target practice ranges or other lawful places, such as your own property depending on your county and the acreage of your land; and for lawful hunting. It is also lawful to use a firearm and silencer in the defense of your home and your property.
  
  

Gun Silencers

• While it is legal in Florida to own a gun silencer and a hand gun for target practice at practice ranges and legal hunting, the law does not allow a person to conceal and carry on their person a handgun with a silencer. Although in Florida it is legal to carry a concealed weapon if you have a license, a person may not carry a concealed weapon with a silencer.
  
  By definition a concealed firearm only includes "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie..." Silencers are not included within this definition.
  
  

Manufacturing and Sale of Silencers

• Although Florida law prohibits the manufacturing of any destructive device, a gun silencer is not defined as a destructive device. However, you must be a licensed retailer in order to sell any firearms. The law would also require that you be a licensed retailer in order to sell gun silencers which are defined as firearms.