National FORREST

[Kalrog]

I am participating in a discussion on another forum about a Florida bill to allow CCW in National Forrests (note: not National Parks). My initial thought was that this would be federal land and that the state would have no jurisdiction over it. Someone else is of the opinion that the state does have a say over what happens in a National Forrest, where they would not have a say over the CCW laws of a National Park.

Does anyone have specific information on this one? And if Florida can do this, we might have a new topic for the 2007 session.

[couzin]

I understand that someone licensed to carry in the particular state that the US Forest Service lands (Federal land) are located is permitted to carry there (unless specifically posted). The state law change of Fla would have no impact on the Federal law or regulation - and since FL is RTC then the point would be moot. You still would not be able to enter a Federal building (the ranger office) with the weapon. Might want to ease on over to Packing.org and peruse their data.

[KBCraig]

National Forest lands, like military installations, assimilate the laws of the surrounding state. That's why forest rangers can write tickets for speeding, DWI, seatbelt violations, etc., and the ticket is a summons to the nearest court just as if it had been written by a local LEO.

The problem is that Florida has a law restricting carry on USFS lands. The USFS doesn't have a problem with firearms on their lands, but Florida does, and USFS assimilates Florida law.

Kevin