Navigating the world of knife laws in Florida can be confusing, especially with the many types of knives and their different legal statuses. Florida has relatively lenient knife laws compared to other states, but there are still important regulations that every knife owner and carrier should know.
Whether you’re a collector, hunter, or simply like to carry a knife for everyday tasks, understanding Florida’s laws is essential to ensure you’re following the rules.
This guide will walk you through Florida’s knife laws, including the types of knives that are legal to carry, restrictions on concealed carry, and potential penalties for violating the law.
The Basics of Florida Knife Laws
Florida law allows the possession and use of many types of knives, but there are restrictions to ensure public safety. The key statute that governs the carrying of knives is Florida Statute Section 790.06, which outlines the requirements for carrying weapons, including knives.
One important thing to note is that ballistic knives, which can shoot a blade out of their handle, are completely illegal in Florida under Section 790.225. These knives are considered highly dangerous and are strictly prohibited.
In general, many types of knives can be owned and carried without a permit in Florida, but there are exceptions, especially for larger, fixed-blade knives, which may require a special permit for concealed carry. As long as your knife follows specific size and design rules, it’s usually legal to own and carry it.
Legal Terminology and Knife Ownership
In Florida, legal terms like “concealed weapon” and “open carry” have specific meanings that affect how knives can be carried. A concealed weapon refers to any weapon that is hidden from the sight of others, and carrying such a weapon without the proper permit is illegal.
For knives, this means if you have a knife tucked into your pocket or inside a bag, it’s considered concealed, and you need a permit for it.
On the other hand, open carry refers to carrying a knife in a way that it is visible to others. Florida law allows open carry of certain knives, as long as the blade is under four inches. Larger knives or those that could be considered “deadly” weapons are subject to stricter regulations.
What Knives Are Prohibited in Florida?
While Florida has relatively relaxed knife laws, certain types of knives are prohibited due to their design and potential for harm.
Ballistic Knives: These knives, which can launch a blade from the handle, are illegal in Florida under Section 790.225.
Automatic Knives: Also known as switchblades, these knives are legal to own in Florida, but there are restrictions on how they can be carried. If you want to carry one concealed, you need to ensure the blade is under four inches, and you may need a concealed carry permit.
Other knives, such as butterfly knives and utility knives, are generally legal to own and carry openly as long as the blade does not exceed four inches.
Carrying Knives in Florida: Concealed vs. Open Carry
In Florida, the rules around concealed carry and open carry of knives are quite different. Understanding the distinctions is crucial.
Concealed Carry: If you wish to carry a knife concealed, it’s important to note that knives with blades longer than four inches require a special permit. Small pocket knives with blades under four inches do not require a permit for concealed carry.
Open Carry: Florida is more lenient with open carry. You can openly carry most knives on your person, as long as the blade is visible. Fixed-blade knives, often carried in sheaths, are legal to carry openly as long as they don’t exceed certain sizes. However, if the knife is larger or considered dangerous, you may still face legal consequences if it’s carried in a public area where it could cause alarm.
Special Restrictions on Knife Carrying Locations
Certain locations in Florida impose stricter rules on carrying knives due to safety concerns. Understanding these areas is essential to avoid legal trouble.
Schools and Government Buildings: You cannot carry any type of knife on school grounds, even if the blade is small. This applies to K-12 schools, universities, and school events. Similarly, government buildings such as courthouses or city halls have strict rules against carrying weapons, including knives.
Public Transport and Airports: Public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and terminals, often have restrictions on carrying knives. For air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits knives in carry-on luggage but allows certain small knives in checked baggage. Always check the latest guidelines before traveling with a knife.
Legal Consequences of Violating Knife Laws
Violating Florida’s knife laws can lead to serious consequences. Carrying a concealed knife without the proper permit is typically considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which could lead to up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
If you’re found carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon, the penalties can be more severe, and felony charges may apply, leading to longer imprisonment and higher fines.
Additionally, juveniles caught with illegal knives could face juvenile delinquency charges, which might lead to probation or time in a juvenile detention facility.
Selling and Manufacturing Knives in Florida
Selling or manufacturing certain knives in Florida is tightly regulated. Ballistic knives cannot be sold or manufactured in the state due to their dangerous nature. Automatic knives, while not banned, must be sold in compliance with state law, ensuring the buyer is aware of regulations regarding carrying them.
Sellers must be transparent about the legality of knives and make sure buyers understand the restrictions around carrying them.
Florida has some of the more lenient knife laws in the U.S., but there are still important regulations to be aware of. Understanding what types of knives are legal, how they can be carried, and where they can be carried is essential to avoid legal trouble.
Whether you’re a collector or someone who carries a knife for everyday tasks, knowing the law can help ensure you stay on the right side of Florida’s knife regulations.
