Florida Says Short-Barreled Rifles Legal Without Federal Stamp

Attorney General James Uthmeier's guidance says law-abiding residents may possess short-barreled rifles and shotguns without fear of state prosecution.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Law

Florida Says Short-Barreled Rifles Legal Without Federal Stamp

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Should law-abiding Americans be able to own short-barreled rifles without federal registration?

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued guidance to law enforcement and prosecutors on November 7, 2026, stating law-abiding residents may possess short-barreled rifles and shotguns without fear of prosecution. The move follows the ATF's October 9 decision to stop enforcing registration requirements for these firearms and silencers.

Why it matters

Congress reduced the federal tax on short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers to zero, and a Northern District of Texas ruling found elements of the National Firearms Act may no longer be sustained. The federal government did not appeal that ruling, leaving Florida residents without NFA registration or tax stamps.

The federal tax on short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers is now $0 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Florida's guidance applies only within the state, and individuals prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and illegal aliens, remain barred from possessing these weapons.

The players

James Uthmeier

Florida's Attorney General, who issued the guidance interpreting state and federal firearms law for prosecutors and law enforcement across the state.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The federal agency that stopped enforcing NFA registration requirements for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers.

The details

Uthmeier wrote that the best reading of Florida's statute does not independently criminalize possession of firearms that may lawfully be owned under federal law. The letter states that no NFA approval, NFA registration, or federal tax stamp is needed for legal possession in Florida, and it extends the same protection to Florida-based federal firearms licensees. Location-based firearm restrictions still apply.

October 9, 2026: The ATF confirmed it would no longer enforce registration requirements for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers.
November 7, 2026: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued the guidance to law enforcement and prosecutors.

Legal Context

The state guidance builds on the National Firearms Act of 1934, whose registration and tax-stamp requirements for short-barreled rifles and shotguns are now unenforced after Congress set the tax to zero. Florida's position follows a similar move by 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer, who issued comparable guidance for his circuit earlier.

Florida residents who own short-barreled rifles or shotguns no longer need NFA approval or a federal tax stamp for legal possession within the state. Individuals prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and illegal aliens, remain barred from possession, and location-based restrictions still apply.

The takeaway

Florida residents who own short-barreled firearms should confirm they are not prohibited from possession and should check location-based restrictions before carrying or storing them. Because the guidance applies only within Florida, possession rules may differ in other states.