I. OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE
To clarify the University of North Florida's weapons policy while remaining consistent with Florida law.
II. STATEMENT OF POLICY
University of North Florida is a “school” based on the established definitions in Section 790.115, Florida Statutes. Except as specifically provided in Section 790.06(12)(a)(13), Florida Statutes, students must not have any type of weapon or destructive device as defined in Section 790.001, Florida Statutes, in their possession and cannot store such weapons or destructive devices in their vehicle while on any University property or University-controlled property.
A. WEAPONS IN VEHICLES
Firearms, destructive devices and other weapons may not be carried in vehicles parked on University or University-controlled property.
Section 790.25(5), Florida Statutes, authorizes persons 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon in a private conveyance for self-defense if the weapon is securely encased and not readily accessible for immediate use. Section 790.115(2)(a), Florida Statutes, prohibits possessing weapons or firearms on school property. Although s. 790.115(2)(a)3, Florida Statutes, provides that a person may carry a firearm in a vehicle pursuant to s. 790.25(5), it provides that schools may provide written and published policies waiving the exception.
In accordance with the foregoing, the University of North Florida specifically waives the exception provided in Section 790.115(2)(a)(3), Florida Statutes, meaning that UNF students must not have any type of defined weapon in their possession and cannot store a weapon in their vehicle while on any University or University-controlled property. A weapon or destructive device as defined in Section 790.001, Florida Statutes, could include non-lethal weapons such as pellet guns, knives (other than a common pocketknife, plastic knife, or blunt-bladed table knife), metallic knuckles, slingshots, billies, tear gas guns, chemical weapons or device, or other objects defined in Section 790.001 that can cause the destruction of life or infliction of injury.
This policy does not apply to University police officers, municipal, county, federal or other state law enforcement officers while on or off duty or acting in an official capacity, since they are required to possess weapons and uphold the law.
