so I understand that a blaster can only shoot up to its max range. On the longer range weapons is there a penalty for shooting at ranges closer then its listed range? if so what rules cover it?

No penalties, short of trying fire on targets when you are engaged with them. After all, it's hard to bring a blaster rifle to bear when someone is trying to punch you in the face, and is capable of pushing it out of the way.

Right, listed range is max range (except when modified by something like the Sniper Shot Talent).

Firing on target at Engaged range with a light weapon (usually a pistol) is base difficulty of PP, with a heavy weapon (usually a rifle) is PPP, and with a gunnery weapon (like a missile launcher) is impossible.

Remember that Engaged range in this system is actually pretty big, (remember, it's the burst radius of most explosives) so even if the player isn't humping the target's leg they can still be considered at Engaged range.