Florida’s knife laws are relatively permissive compared to many other states, but they include important distinctions based on the type of knife, blade length, and how the knife is carried. Here’s a detailed overview of the legal framework governing pocket knives in Florida as of 2025.
What Is a Pocket Knife Under Florida Law?
Florida law defines a common pocket knife as a folding blade knife with a blade length of four inches or less. This includes typical folding knives and multitools like Swiss Army knives. This definition has been upheld since a 1951 attorney general opinion and reinforced by court rulings such as L.B. v. State of Florida (1997). Pocket knives are considered tools rather than weapons when used for everyday purposes.
Carrying Pocket Knives: Open and Concealed
- Open Carry: You may openly carry any knife, including pocket knives, without a permit. There are no blade length restrictions for open carry, except for certain prohibited knives like ballistic knives.
- Concealed Carry: Pocket knives with blades under four inches can be carried concealed without a license or permit. This is an important exception to Florida’s concealed weapons laws.
- Knives Over Four Inches: Carrying a concealed knife with a blade longer than four inches generally requires a concealed weapons license. Without this permit, concealed carry of such knives is illegal and can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances.
Types of Knives and Restrictions
- Legal Knives: Pocket knives, butterfly (balisong) knives, automatic knives (switchblades), fixed blades, and many other types are legal to own and carry, both openly and concealed (with permit if blade exceeds four inches).
- Illegal Knives: Ballistic knives—knives with blades that can be propelled by spring or explosive mechanisms—are illegal to manufacture, sell, own, or carry in Florida.
- Other Prohibited Items: Certain knives disguised as other objects or those used in criminal activity may be subject to additional restrictions.
Age and Other Conditions
- Individuals must be at least 21 years old to carry concealed knives that require a permit, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans.
- Minors may carry pocket knives only with parental consent. Selling or giving knives to minors without permission is unlawful.
Restricted Locations
Carrying knives, including pocket knives, is prohibited in specific locations such as:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Courthouses and government buildings
- Airports and polling places
- Any venue where illegal activities are occurring
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a concealed knife without the required permit can result in a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Possession of illegal knives like ballistic knives is also a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Using a knife in the commission of a crime can lead to enhanced penalties under Florida law.
- Pocket knives with blades under four inches are legal to carry openly or concealed without a permit.
- Knives with blades over four inches require a concealed weapons permit if carried concealed.
- Ballistic knives are illegal in Florida.
- Certain places prohibit carrying knives regardless of type.
- Minors need parental consent to carry pocket knives.
For anyone carrying a knife in Florida, understanding these distinctions is crucial to avoid legal trouble. If you face charges related to knife possession or carrying, consulting a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is advisable to navigate Florida’s nuanced knife laws.
Sources
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/knife-laws-in-florida/
- https://www.salazarandkelly.com/understanding-floridas-knife-laws/
- https://www.thedensonfirm.com/weapon-charges/florida-knife-laws-everything-you-need-to-know/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-florida-a-comprehensive-guide-to-carry-legally/
- https://www.thelawofwe.com/what-knives-are-illegal-in-florida/
