🐊 Florida Knife Laws
Overview
Florida does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. There is no general blade length restriction. Ballistic knives are prohibited.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of knives is legal. The open carry ban in FS 790.053 applies only to firearms and electric weapons — it does not mention knives. However, § 790.10 prohibits exhibiting any dirk, sword, sword cane, or other weapon in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner (first-degree misdemeanor).
Statute: 790.10
A 'common pocketknife' (folding knife with blade roughly 4 inches or less per L.B. v. State, 1997) is excluded from the 'weapon' definition and may be carried concealed without a license. All other knives are 'weapons' under § 790.001 and require either a concealed weapons license or eligibility for one under the 2023 permitless carry law (HB 543).
No statutory blade length limit. The roughly 4-inch threshold is a judicial guideline (L.B. v. State, 1997) distinguishing 'common pocketknives' from 'weapons' for concealed carry purposes, not a statutory ban. Folding knives over 4 inches are legal but require concealed carry authorization if carried concealed.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Florida has never enacted a switchblade ban. Automatic knives have always been legal to own, sell, and carry. The 2003 amendment to § 790.225 clarified that knives where the blade opens but remains connected to the handle are not ballistic knives, explicitly distinguishing automatics from ballistic knives. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not specifically mentioned or restricted. Balisongs are manually operated and are not classified as automatic or ballistic knives. A balisong with a blade of roughly 4 inches or less may qualify as a 'common pocketknife.' Larger balisongs require concealed carry authorization if carried concealed. Statute: 790.001 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Not prohibited as a category. Sword canes are referenced in § 790.10 (improper exhibition) but are not banned. Disguised knives are inherently concealed, so carrying them requires concealed carry authorization unless they qualify as a 'common pocketknife.' |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed. Not classified as ballistic knives under § 790.225 because the blade remains physically connected to the handle. Assisted-opening knives with blades of roughly 4 inches or less likely qualify as 'common pocketknives.' |
| Ballistic Knives | Illegal | The only knife type specifically banned in Florida. § 790.225 makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, own, possess, or use a ballistic self-propelled knife, defined as a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile which physically separates from the device. Violation is a first-degree misdemeanor. Contraband subject to seizure. Statute: 790.225 |
Relevant Statutes(12)
- 790.001—Weapons Definitions
- 790.01—Unlicensed Concealed Carry Prohibition
- 790.015—Nonresident License Reciprocity
- 790.06—Concealed Weapon License
- 790.062—Armed Forces License Exception
- 790.10—Improper Exhibition of Weapons
- 790.115—Weapons on School Property
- 790.17—Furnishing Weapons to Minors
- 790.18—Sale of Arms to Minors
- 790.225—Ballistic Knife Prohibition
- 790.25—Lawful Ownership and Possession
- 790.33—Firearms and Ammunition Preemption
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
