Assisted Living

Firearm Transition Support

When a new resident arrives with a firearm collection, facilities face a unique blend of safety, compliance, and compassion. This page outlines a clear, dignified process—and how Southeast Gun Buyers can partner with your team to responsibly evaluate, transfer, and dispose of collections while honoring the resident and protecting your community.

Southeast Gun Buyers

Southeast Gun Buyers (Firearms Advisor) is a licensed, experienced firearms partner based in Fort Myers, Florida. They purchase collections of all sizes, offer consignments, handle secure storage and transfers, and legally pack and ship firearms nationwide—making them a dependable resource for assisted living communities and families navigating a collection transition.

  • Location and contact: 12581 Metro Parkway, Unit 12, Fort Myers, FL 33966; (239) 939-4867
  • Experience: Operating since 2007; bought, sold, transferred, appraised, shipped, and consigned over 18,000 firearms
  • Services: Buy, consign, storage, shipping, and FFL transfers, with the capability to legally, safely, and securely move firearms anywhere in the U.S.

Policy, safety, and dignity: Setting your facility’s standard

Assisted living residents may lawfully own firearms depending on state laws and facility policies; many communities prohibit weapons on premises or require strict storage and control procedures. Policies vary by state, and some states prohibit firearms in assisted living entirely. Facilities should display clear weapon-free notices where applicable and align practices with state regulations and community standards.

  • Policy clarity: Define whether firearms are permitted on premises, and if not, how collections will be handled (e.g., transfer, sale, or donation)
  • Secure custody: Require locked storage policies (if permitted) with separate ammunition storage and controlled access, per applicable state standards
  • Communication: Inform residents and families at admission with clear, compassionate instructions and timelines to resolve firearm custody responsibly

Onboarding checklist for new residents with firearms

Use this structured process during admission to ensure compliance, safety, and respect.

  • Disclosure: Ask whether the resident owns firearms, ammunition, or related items; document quantities and locations.
  • Policy brief: Provide your facility’s firearm policy and state law summary; explain allowed actions and timelines.
  • Immediate safety: Secure any firearms compliant with policy (or arrange off-site custody) while the collection plan is finalized.
  • Third-party partner: Engage Southeast Gun Buyers to appraise, inventory, and propose options (purchase, consignment, transfer, or shipping).
  • Legal options: Offer pathways: private sale through an FFL, surrender to law enforcement (via approved procedures), donation to qualified organizations, or certified destruction—always following federal and state requirements.
  • Documentation: Record chain-of-custody, transfer receipts, and acknowledgments; ensure clear paper trails for liability protection.

Legal and compliant disposal options

There are four primary, lawful ways to dispose of or transition firearms from a collection: giving/selling to someone else (ideally through an FFL), destruction using ATF-recognized methods, surrender to law enforcement (following their procedures), or donation to an organization. Facilities and families should not attempt ad-hoc destruction or informal disposal, as improper handling can create legal risks. Using an FFL builds a clear paper trail that helps protect the former owner from future liability concerns.

For donation or repurposing, the National Center for Unwanted Firearms accepts shipments and provides responsible disposal or repurposing, ending the former owner’s legal liability upon receipt.

  • Sell or transfer via FFL: Coordinate a compliant sale or transfer; background checks and records handled by the dealer.
  • Certified destruction: Use ATF-compliant destruction methods; avoid DIY approaches to prevent unlawful configurations.
  • Law enforcement surrender: Call ahead and follow agency instructions; never walk in with an unsecured firearm.
  • Donation: Contact qualified organizations for shipment, processing, and liability release upon receipt.

Each facility should cross-check state-specific rules, as assisted living firearm permissions and storage requirements vary and may be more restrictive than general possession laws.

How Southeast Gun Buyers collaborates with facilities

  • Intake and inventory: Schedule an on-site or controlled pickup to inventory firearms discreetly and professionally.
  • Valuation and options: Provide appraisals and structured recommendations: direct purchase, consignment, FFL transfer to family, or interstate shipping with full compliance.
  • Documentation: Generate itemized receipts, transfer records, and shipment proofs for facility and family files.
  • Logistics and security: Pack and ship with licensed methods; manage incoming/outgoing transfers to other FFLs nationwide.
  • Ammunition and accessories: Advise on safe handling and lawful disposition of ammo and related items in tandem with firearms transitions.

FAQs for administrators and families

  • What if our facility is weapon-free? Plan a timely off-site custody or disposal pathway: sale/transfer via FFL, donation, or law enforcement surrender per agency guidance. Document every step for liability clarity.

  • Can residents keep a single heirloom gun? Confirm state law and your policy; if allowed, implement strict locked storage, separate ammo storage, and controlled access under administrator oversight.

  • How fast can a collection be removed? Coordinate with Southeast Gun Buyers for expedited appraisal, purchase, and secure transport; interstate shipment options are available through licensed processes.

  • What protects us legally? Use FFL-mediated transfers, receipts, and chain-of-custody documentation. Avoid informal handoffs and DIY destruction to prevent compliance violations.

Contact Southeast Gun Buyers

  • Phone: (239) 939-4867
  • Address: 12581 Metro Parkway, Unit 12, Fort Myers, FL 33966
  • Services: Collection purchase, consignment, storage, FFL transfers, secure shipping nationwide

If donation is preferred, consider the National Center for Unwanted Firearms for secure, liability-ending disposal or repurposing at scale.

Important note: Facility policies must align with state law. Always confirm local requirements for assisted living firearm possession, storage, and signage, and document all actions with licensed partners.