DONE WITH THE GUN - SAFE FIREARM DISPOSAL PROGRAM:
The Sarasota Police Department is dedicated to keeping the community safe by accepting your unwanted guns. When you no longer want a firearm, we can help you responsibly dispose of your firearm and ammunition, thereby eliminating the risk of theft, misuse, or accidental discharge. When a firearm is turned in, its serial number will be run through a law enforcement database to ensure it has not been reported stolen or used in a crime. The firearm will then be turned over to a certified vendor that specializes in destroying firearms or converted to department use for training. If you have questions, please call the Sarasota Police Department's Property Unit at 941-263-6040.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
You must call the Sarasota Police Department Property Unit at 941-263-6040 for an arranged appointment first.

WHAT WE ACCEPT:
In addition to all firearms, we will accept non-working, antique, replica, pellet and BB guns. We also accept ammunition.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
The following protocol MUST be followed to bring a firearm to the Sarasota Police Department located at: 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, during the business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

OUR SAFE FIREARM DISPOSAL PROGRAM PROTOCOL - IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY:
The packaged firearm should be left in your vehicle when you arrive at the police department. Do not bring the firearm in the building. Officers at the police department will come outside and retrieve it from your vehicle. The firearm MUST be delivered unloaded. Do not attempt to unload a firearm if you do not know how. When possible, firearms should first be put in a clear case or plastic bag, sealed in some manner, and then the bagged gun must be packaged into another container (gym bag, backpack, etc.) that is not see-through. This is especially important with handguns. Long guns should be transported in a proper case or wrapped in a blanket, tarp or something similar. If transporting a firearm by vehicle, the firearm must be transported in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle. If depositing ammunition, it must be delivered in a separate bag.

WILL I BE ARRESTED?
The Sarasota Police Department will not arrest you for possession of an illegal firearm if you are surrendering the firearm in compliance with the guidelines of this program. However, amnesty will not be given for any crime committed with that firearm or for any crime committed while in
possession of that firearm. If protocol is not followed, or if Sarasota Police find you with a weapon and determine you are not participating in the program, Sarasota Police may make an arrest for possession of a weapon.

For a printable copy of the brochure, please click here.