Florida law prohibits carrying a gun into a bank, with limited exceptions
Florida Statute 790.06 makes it illegal to carry a concealed firearm into a bank or credit union, even if you have a concealed carry permit. The law applies to all banks and credit unions in the state, regardless of whether they are national or state-chartered institutions. This restriction exists separately from your right to carry elsewhere in Florida — having a valid concealed carry permit does not override the bank prohibition.
The only people exempt from this rule are law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity and armored car personnel transporting money. Private citizens with concealed carry permits cannot legally bring a firearm into a bank building, including the lobby, teller area, or any other part of the bank's interior.
Violating this law is a second-degree felony in Florida, which carries serious criminal penalties. This is not a minor infraction — a conviction can result in up to 15 years in prison and permanent loss of your right to own firearms.
Key Takeaways
- Florida law explicitly prohibits carrying a concealed firearm into any bank or credit union, even with a valid concealed carry permit.
- The only exceptions are law enforcement officers on duty and armored car personnel, not private citizens.
- Violating this law is a second-degree felony with potential prison time and permanent loss of gun ownership rights.
- Banks may also have their own policies posted at entrances that reinforce the state law prohibition.
- This restriction applies to the entire bank building, including lobbies and waiting areas, not just the vault or back offices.
Why banks have this restriction
Banks are considered sensitive locations under Florida law because they handle large amounts of cash and valuables. The restriction exists to reduce the risk of armed robbery, hostage situations, and other violent crimes that could occur if firearms were present during a confrontation.
The law treats banks the same way it treats courthouses, detention facilities, and certain government buildings — places where the state has determined that the presence of firearms creates unacceptable public safety risks. This is a policy judgment made by the Florida legislature, not a decision made by individual banks.
What happens if you bring a gun into a bank
If you carry a firearm into a bank, you can be arrested and charged with a second-degree felony. Bank employees and security staff are trained to report any visible firearms, and many banks have metal detectors or security cameras that may detect weapons.
Even if you are not caught when ready, the bank has a record of your visit and transaction. If a firearm is discovered later — for example, during a routine security review or if you mention it to a bank employee — law enforcement will be notified. Banks take this violation seriously because they face liability if they knowingly allow armed individuals on their premises.
If you are arrested, you will face criminal charges before a judge. A conviction results in a felony record, which affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and many other aspects of your life. You will also lose your right to own or possess firearms in the future.
Leaving your gun in a vehicle while banking
If you carry a firearm regularly, you may wonder whether you can leave it in your car while you go inside the bank. Florida law does not prohibit storing a firearm in a parked vehicle, even on bank property, as long as the gun is not loaded and is stored in a locked container or out of plain sight.
However, leaving a firearm unattended in a vehicle creates other risks — theft, accidental access by children, or discovery by law enforcement during a traffic stop. Many gun owners choose to leave their firearm at home before banking rather than leave it in a vehicle.
If you do leave a gun in your car, keep it secured and locked. Do not leave it visible on a seat or dashboard, and do not mention it to bank employees or security staff.
Other Florida locations where guns are prohibited
Banks are not the only places in Florida where you cannot carry a concealed firearm. The same law that prohibits guns in banks also prohibits them in courthouses, police stations, detention facilities, and certain government buildings. Some private businesses also post signs prohibiting firearms on their premises, and you must comply with those signs or face trespassing charges.
Schools and school property have separate, stricter prohibitions. Federal law also prohibits firearms in federal buildings and on federal property, which may include some post offices and federal courthouses.
If you have a concealed carry permit, you should familiarize yourself with all the places where your permit does not explore. The Florida Department of State publishes a guide to prohibited locations, and many gun safety courses cover this topic.
If you accidentally bring a gun into a bank
If you realize you have a firearm on you while inside a bank, do not attempt to hide it or leave it behind. Instead, when ready inform a bank employee or security officer that you are armed and ask for guidance. Tell them you did not realize the prohibition applied or that you made a mistake.
In some cases, law enforcement may issue a warning rather than make an arrest, particularly if you self-report and cooperate fully. However, there is no may provide of leniency — the decision to charge you rests with law enforcement and the prosecutor. Self-reporting gives you the best chance of avoiding criminal charges, but it does not eliminate the possibility.
Do not attempt to leave the bank with the firearm. Do not try to conceal it further. Doing so will make the situation worse and may result in a more serious response from law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a gun in a bank if I am a security guard?
Only if you are employed by an armored car service or are a law enforcement officer on duty. Private security guards working for the bank itself cannot carry firearms inside the bank under Florida law, though they may be armed outside the building depending on their employer's policy.
Does my concealed carry permit override the bank prohibition?
No. A concealed carry permit allows you to carry in most public places in Florida, but banks are specifically carved out as prohibited locations. Your permit does not make an exception for banks.
What if the bank did not post a sign saying guns are prohibited?
The law prohibits firearms in banks regardless of whether a sign is posted. Banks are not required to post signs to enforce the state law — the prohibition exists by statute. A missing sign does not make it legal to carry a firearm inside.
Can I carry a gun into a bank lobby if I do not go to the teller?
No. The prohibition applies to the entire bank building, including lobbies, waiting areas, and any other interior space. It does not matter which part of the bank you are in or what you are doing there.
What is the difference between open carry and concealed carry at a bank?
Florida law prohibits concealed carry in banks. Open carry of firearms is generally not permitted in Florida except in specific circumstances, so this distinction does not create a loophole — you cannot legally carry a gun into a bank in either form.