For reference, I live in Miami, Florida.
I'm between the ages of 18-21. I have to be 21 to buy a handgun from a federally licensed dealer, but I can possess at 18. This leaves the loophole of private sellers. At a gun show, can I buy a handgun providing it is from a private seller? Will I get a good deal there?
Thanks
An 18 year old IS allowed to possess or own a handgun. An 18 year old, however, is NOT allowed to buy one.

Sorry Nathan, you have to be 21 to purchase or own a handgun, Yes, you can use a handgun while under parental supervision, and in some cases when with an adult over 21. Selling a handgun to a minor is a big no no and will land both parties in jail.

I'm not sure of the legality of purchasing from a private seller in your situation and location, but be aware that a responsible individual selling a firearm at a gun show will want to avoid any possible legal repercussions while selling, so they may well ask for identification. Especially since the ATF and local law enforcement tend to target gun shows for ongoing illegal activity, such as straw purchases, etc. Also, the legal possession of a handgun by a minor is typically written into state laws for hunting or other firearm sports activity related and not intended to provide for explicit ownership by a minor. For an absolute answer, I would visit my local sheriff or police offices and request an answer, in writing (if they answer that you can own it) to avoid any possible trouble at a gun show.

As a follow-up to Gunner S' suggestion of looking online for firearms: If they ship the firearm to you, it will have to go through an FFL for transfer to you, requiring a licensed gun dealer to transfer ownership of the firearm to you, which leaves you in the exact position you are in now.

It's the same way in my state. I've bought many handguns before I was 21. YES IT IS LEGAL!!! There is NO "federal" law prohibiting someone under 21 from owning or possessing a handgun.

Isn't it funny how none of those above can provide a link to this make believe law? What DJ has posted is not the law itself. It is a NRA summary and misinterpretation of the law. Another reason I am a proud member of Gun Owners of America and not the NRA.

Federal law only prohibits gun "DEALERS" from selling someone under 21 a handgun. Some private sellers are paranoid about the ATF and do not understand the law clearly either though and will still refuse to sell to you because you aren't 21.

If you are going to a gun show you should pick up a hand copy of all the gun laws from your local police station. Even some police officers are confused with the 20,000+ gun laws in the book. Good luck! It's not really a loophole. You are an adult and have the right to keep and bear arms. In some states you only have to be 16 to own a handgun and in Vermont there are no age requirements. Vermont also has the lowest murder rate in the country.