Gun Safe vs Lockbox vs Trigger Lock: What Works With Kids in the House
Florida law requires you to secure a loaded firearm if you know, or reasonably should know, that a child is likely to get to it. The legal minimum is low. The safe standard is higher: lock every firearm, every time you aren't carrying it.
What the law says
Section 790.174 applies to a person who stores or leaves a loaded firearm on premises under their control when they know or should know that a minor is likely to gain access without a parent's permission or the required supervision. In that case, the firearm must be kept:
in a securely locked box or container,
in a location a reasonable person would believe to be secure, or
secured with a trigger lock.
The penalty. It is a second-degree misdemeanor if a minor gets the firearm without permission and possesses or exhibits it in public, or in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner.
The exception. The rule does not apply when you are carrying the firearm on your body, or close enough to retrieve it as quickly as if you carried it.
Who counts as a minor here. The statute defines a minor as a person under 16.
Why the legal minimum is not enough
The statute covers only children under 16, and it has exceptions, including a minor who gets the firearm through someone's unlawful entry. Older teens and adult guests are not covered by it, and a safe setup should cover all of them. Treat the statute as the floor.
Your storage options
Option | Best for | Watch out for |
Gun safe (bolted down) | Several firearms, long-term storage | Cheap safes can be forced; choose a quality lock |
Handgun lockbox or quick-access safe | One defensive handgun you want fast access to | Anchor it; keep keys or codes out of reach |
Trigger lock or cable lock | A low-cost layer, extra firearms | Locks don't stop access to ammunition; they can fail if misused |
Wearing it (on body) | Carrying | Take it off and lock it up when you aren't carrying |
A practical setup for a home with kids
Lock every firearm. Unloaded and hidden is not secure.
Store ammunition separately from the firearm.
Keep keys or codes where children can't find them, and change codes after a guest or a move.
Teach children the rule: if you see a gun, don't touch it, leave the room, and tell an adult.
Check with the parents of kids who visit your house, and the homes your kids visit.
Review your setup every year.
What to do next
Our classes cover safe storage in plain terms, and our private in-home sessions can walk through your actual setup. Text (305) 791-4249 or email info@topshotmiami.com.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change. Consult a Florida attorney about your situation. Last reviewed October 3, 2026.
Sources: Florida Statutes 790.174 (flsenate.gov).
More free guides: Free Firearms Resources From Miami Instructors
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