Sanford Police to Host Gun Buy Back Event March 27 at Civic Center

The Sanford Police Department will collect unwanted, stolen, and lost firearms at a drive-through buyback event on Saturday, March 27, at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd., running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until gift cards run out.

Anyone turning in a firearm will receive a $50 Target gift card as a thank-you, while supplies last. The department described the effort as a "no questions asked" collection aimed at removing guns from the streets to "make the community safer." Airsoft and BB guns will not be accepted.

The procedure is straightforward. Participants drive through the civic center with an unloaded firearm secured in their trunk and remain behind the wheel. Officers will approach each vehicle to assist with the handover. If a surrendered weapon is identified as stolen, authorities will work to return it to its rightful owner.

Along with the buyback, the department will distribute free gun locks to Sanford residents for safe firearm storage, again while supplies last.

The Sanford Police Department also noted that residents who prefer to keep their firearms have legal options: licensed dealers and private sales remain available under Second Amendment protections the department explicitly acknowledged in announcing the event.

The department announced the buyback on March 9, 2026. The Sanford Civic Center is located on East Seminole Boulevard, a few blocks from downtown Sanford.