Florida’s knife laws are relatively permissive compared to many other states, but there are clear distinctions and important restrictions, especially regarding pocket knives. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid legal trouble.
What Is a “Common Pocket Knife” in Florida?
A common pocket knife in Florida is generally defined as a folding knife with a blade length of four inches or less. This includes most traditional pocket knives and multitools such as Swiss Army Knives.
The four-inch rule is a critical legal threshold: knives with blades longer than four inches are not considered “common pocket knives” and are subject to stricter regulations.
Carrying Pocket Knives: Open vs. Concealed
Open Carry:
Florida law allows the open carry of most knives, including pocket knives, except in restricted locations like schools, courthouses, and government buildings. There are generally no permit requirements for openly carrying a pocket knife with a blade under four inches.
Concealed Carry:
You may carry a common pocket knife (blade ≤ 4 inches) concealed without a permit. However, if the blade exceeds four inches, or if the knife is classified as a weapon (such as certain fixed-blade or automatic knives), a concealed weapons permit is required.
Carrying a concealed knife that does not meet the “common pocket knife” definition without a permit can result in a first-degree misdemeanor.
Age and Transfer Restrictions
- Minors: Minors can carry a pocket knife with parental consent. It is illegal to sell or give a knife to a minor without this permission.
- Adults: Individuals 21 and over may carry concealed knives (other than common pocket knives) if they have a concealed weapons permit.
Prohibited and Restricted Knives
- Ballistic Knives: Completely illegal to own, carry, manufacture, or sell in Florida.
- Automatic and Butterfly Knives: Legal to own and carry (open or concealed), but if the blade is over four inches, concealed carry requires a permit.
- Fixed-Blade Knives: Can be openly carried, but concealed carry of blades longer than four inches requires a permit.
Location-Based Restrictions
Regardless of type or blade length, knives are prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Courthouses and government buildings
- Airports and polling places
Key Takeaways
- Legal to carry a common pocket knife (folding, blade ≤ 4 inches) openly or concealed without a permit.
- Concealed carry of knives with blades > 4 inches requires a concealed weapons permit.
- Ballistic knives are strictly prohibited in all circumstances.
- Location matters: Even legal knives are banned in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
- Minors need parental consent to carry a pocket knife, and it is illegal to provide a knife to a minor without this consent.
Florida offers broad rights for carrying pocket knives, provided you follow the four-inch blade rule and avoid restricted locations.
Always check local ordinances and be aware that carrying larger or more specialized knives (especially concealed) may require a permit or be outright illegal. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for lawful and responsible knife ownership in the state.
Sources:
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/knife-laws-in-florida/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/florida-knife-laws/
- https://www.tosahwi.com/blogs/florida-knife-laws
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/florida/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-florida-a-comprehensive-guide-to-carry-legally/