Florida AG Tells Police to Stop Treating SBRs as Illegal

Florida's attorney general has told law enforcement statewide to stop treating short-barreled rifles and shotguns as contraband, even without the federal paperwork, AmmoLand reports.

Snapshot

AmmoLand reports on Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's memo telling police that owning a short-barreled rifle or shotgun without NFA paperwork is no longer grounds for arrest or seizure, reasoning from a federal court ruling and ATF's halt in enforcement. Other gun laws, including dealer, prohibited-person and interstate transport rules, still apply, and the memo is enforcement guidance rather than a statute.

Key points

• The memo: On November 6, 2026, Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a five-page memorandum stating law-abiding Floridians may possess SBRs and SBSs without NFA registration, ATF approval or a tax stamp.
• Why it changed: After Congress zeroed out NFA making and transfer taxes, a federal judge ruled in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF that the registration scheme could no longer stand on taxing power, and ATF stopped enforcing it nationwide on October 9.
• Florida's exemption: Uthmeier argues that Florida Statute § 790.221's exemption for firearms lawfully possessed under federal law now covers these guns, since federal enforcement has stopped.
• Search and seizure limits: The memo says possessing one alone is not grounds for search, seizure or arrest, and Uthmeier's office won't defend a conviction built solely on missing NFA paperwork.
• Still applies: Dealer transfer rules, prohibited-possessor laws, restricted locations and ATF Form 20 for interstate transport remain in force. Machine guns and destructive devices are untouched.

Quick take

This is guidance, not a new statute or court ruling, so treat it as Florida's current enforcement posture rather than a permanent settlement.

Read the full story at AmmoLand.