Weapons or Firearms at School
Possessing, exhibiting, or discharging covered weapons or firearms at a school-sponsored event or school location, subject to statutory exceptions.
Florida Statute
§ 790.115
Weapons or firearms at school-sponsored events or on school property
Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026
Quick Summary
Classification depends on conduct, item, authorization, and whether a weapon or firearm was discharged.
Classification Matrix
Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.
Prohibited Exhibition at School
F.S. § 790.115(1)
Prohibited exhibition in the school-related locations and circumstances stated in subsection (1).
Prohibited Weapon or Firearm Possession at School
F.S. § 790.115(2)(b)-(c)1.
Willful and knowing prohibited possession at a covered school location.
Authorized Carrier Possession Violation
F.S. § 790.115(2)(e)
Authorized concealed carrier who willfully and knowingly violates the covered possession prohibition.
Discharge at School or Within 1,000 Feet
F.S. § 790.115(2)(d)
Unlawful discharge in the conduct and location described by subsection (2)(d).
Elements of the Offense
Elements of the Offense
Elements marked AND are cumulative. Elements marked OR identify statutory alternatives; one applicable alternative must be established when that theory is charged. Conditional elements apply only to the identified statutory track.
- Element 1AND — Required
Required Facts
The defendant possessed, exhibited, or discharged a covered item at a school-sponsored event, school location, bus, bus stop, or other location specified by the charged subsection.
Plain language: Establish the conduct and the statute's school-related location.
- Element 2AND — Required
Required Facts
The conduct was willful and knowing when required and did not fall within an applicable statutory authorization or exception.
Plain language: Verify the specific exception before charging.
Jury Instructions
Jury Instructions
Instruction 10.21
Improper Exhibition of a Weapon or Firearm at or Near a School
Covers the improper-exhibition track in F.S. § 790.115(1). No separate standard instruction was located for the possession or discharge tracks in subsection (2).
View Official InstructionVerified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
Quick Reference
The matrix separates exhibition, possession, discharge, and the authorized-carrier possession provision. Review the many listed exceptions.