Updated for 2021
Florida, referred to as a Sunshine State, offers plenty of outdoor activities that make it an attractive destination. Many people prefer to carry knives along for different purposes like self-defense, shredding tinder while camping, or any other outdoor adventure. But, it is important to know about the knife laws in Florida before you own and carry a knife, to keep yourself safe from any prosecution charge.
If you find yourself baffled about where you can find updated laws in Florida, this article is just what you need! We have elaborated on the knife laws in Florida to help you understand them and pick a knife aligned with the state’s regulations. So, let’s take a look.
What Knives are Explicitly Illegal in Florida
Ballistic knives are explicitly illegal in Florida. The law forbids you to conceal carry any knife, except a regular pocket knife, without a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued by the state.
Knife Size Regulations in Florida
Under Florida law, it is legal to conceal carry a common pocket knife with a blade length less than 4-inches. It is only legal for people with a valid permit to conceal carry a knife with a blade longer than 4-inches.
Local Municipality Knife Laws in Florida
Florida’s preemption law preempts local city and county laws that control the carrying of weapons for citizens. However, it is limited to only those who have their concealed weapons license. People without a valid permit may have to follow any city and district law that they may come across.
Ballistic Knife Laws
As per section 790.225, it is illegal to manufacture, own, sell, or carry a ballistic self-propelled knife. A ballistic knife is considered a deadly or dangerous weapon and a contraband item capable of causing severe harm to others. A ballistic knife is a tool that pushes a knifelike blade as a projectile, separating the blade from the device through a coil spring, compressed gas, or elastic material.
License To Carry Concealed Weapon Or Firearm
According to section 790.06, the department of agriculture and consumer services is authorized to issue licenses to carry concealed weapons or firearms to individuals that are 21 years or older. Concealed weapons or firearms include a handgun, tear gas gun, electronic weapon or device, billie, or knife.
Under state law, it is a crime to conceal carry a deadly weapon without a license. A deadly weapon is an instrument that is capable of causing death or severe physical injury to another person.
Bear in mind, if the knife is made for utility purposes, it is not considered a deadly weapon. A box cutter or razor knife falls under this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Karambits Legal in Florida?
In Florida, the law allows you to carry any knife openly, but limits conceal carry of certain knives. A karambit is a knife with a curved blade and is legal to own.
Are Throwing Knives Legal in Florida?
Yes, throwing knives and throwing stars are legal in Florida. But, make sure you do not conceal carry any knife with a blade longer than 4-inches without a permit.
Are Balisongs Legal in Florida?
Balisongs are legal to own and carry openly in Florida. However, like most knives, you require a concealed weapons permit if you want to conceal carry them.
Are Swords Legal in Florida?
It is legal to carry any knife openly, including swords. But, without a valid permit, you cannot carry concealed knife having a blade longer than 4-inches.
Is it Legal to Carry a Knife on School Grounds or College Campuses?
Under Florida state law, it is illegal to possess a firearm or any other weapon at school, on a school bus, or at any school-sponsored event. The possession of any dirk, metallic knuckles, knife, destructive device, electric weapon, razor blade, box cutter, slingshot, tear gas gun, or billie on school property or a school-sponsored event is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in jail.
The only two non-lethal weapons allowed on school property by law are common pocket knives and less than two ounces of pepper spray. However, be sure to check with your local ordinances and school policy before sending your child to school with these objects.
Can a Minor Carry a Knife in Florida?
The Florida law prohibits selling, buying, or transferring any electric weapon, dirk, or any weapon other than an ordinary pocket knife to a minor under 18 years without consent of their guardian or parent. A person violating this law commits a first-degree felony.
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