Florida’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are important distinctions regarding the type of knife, blade length, how it is carried, and where it is carried. Whether you are a collector, outdoor enthusiast, or simply carry a knife for utility, understanding these laws is crucial to staying compliant and avoiding legal trouble.
Legal Types of Knives
Most knives are legal to own and carry in Florida. This includes pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, butterfly knives (balisongs), automatic knives (switchblades), and utility knives. However, ballistic knives—which eject a blade as a projectile—are strictly prohibited. It is illegal to manufacture, own, sell, or carry a ballistic knife under any circumstances in Florida.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
Open Carry:
Florida generally allows the open carry of most knives, including large fixed-blade knives, as long as you are not in a restricted area such as a school, courthouse, or government building. Carrying a knife openly on your belt in a sheath is legal, regardless of blade length, except for ballistic knives.
Concealed Carry:
Concealed carry laws are stricter. You may carry a “common pocket knife” with a blade of four inches or less concealed without a permit. This definition comes from longstanding legal precedent and remains the standard today. For any knife with a blade longer than four inches, or for knives considered “deadly weapons” (such as dirks, daggers, or certain automatic knives), you must have a valid concealed weapons permit.
Carrying a concealed knife with a blade longer than four inches without a permit can result in a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Age and Permit Requirements
To carry a concealed knife that requires a permit, you must be at least 21 years old, unless you are active-duty military or an honorably discharged veteran. Minors may carry a pocket knife with parental consent, but it is illegal to sell or give a knife to a minor without such permission.
Restricted Locations
Even with a permit, knives are prohibited in certain places:
Schools and educational institutions
Courthouses and government buildings
Airports
Polling places
Any location where illegal activities are occurring
Violating these restrictions can lead to serious criminal charges.
Local Laws and Preemption
Florida state law generally preempts local knife ordinances, meaning state law overrides city or county rules for those with a concealed weapons license. However, individuals without a permit should be aware of any local regulations that might apply.
Table: Florida Knife Laws
| Knife Type | Open Carry Legal? | Concealed Carry Legal? | Permit Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Knife (<4″) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pocket Knife (>4″) | Yes | Yes, with permit | Yes (concealed only) |
| Fixed-Blade Knife | Yes | Yes, with permit if >4″ blade | Yes (concealed only) |
| Automatic/Switchblade | Yes | Yes, with permit if >4″ blade | Yes (concealed only) |
| Ballistic Knife | No | No | N/A (prohibited) |
| Butterfly Knife | Yes | Yes, with permit if >4″ blade | Yes (concealed only) |
Key Takeaways
1) Most knives are legal to own and openly carry in Florida, with the exception of ballistic knives.
2) Concealed carry of knives with a blade longer than four inches requires a concealed weapons permit.
3) Pocket knives with blades of four inches or less can be carried concealed without a permit.
4) Knives are prohibited in schools, courthouses, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
5) Violating concealed carry laws can result in criminal penalties, including jail time and fines.
Always check the latest state and local laws or consult a legal expert if you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities regarding knives in Florida.
Sources
[1] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/knife-laws-in-florida/
[2] https://www.thelawofwe.com/what-knives-are-illegal-in-florida/
[3] https://www.tosahwi.com/blogs/florida-knife-laws
[4] https://edc.ninja/florida-knife-laws/
[5] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/florida-knife-laws/
