Florida’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are important distinctions and restrictions every resident and visitor should know. This guide provides a clear overview of what’s legal, what’s not, and how to stay compliant in 2025.
Types of Knives Legal to Own and Carry
- Legal to Own: Most knives, including pocket knives, butterfly knives, switchblades (automatic knives), fixed-blade knives, bowie knives, and machetes, are legal to own and openly carry in Florida.
- Illegal Knives: The only knife type completely illegal to own, carry, manufacture, or sell in Florida is the ballistic knife—a knife with a blade that can be propelled by a spring or explosive device.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
| Carry Type | Legal Knives (No Permit) | Restrictions/Permit Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carry | Most knives, including fixed and folding blades | Ballistic knives prohibited everywhere |
| Concealed Carry | Pocket knives with blades under 4 inches | Knives with blades over 4 inches or certain types (e.g., switchblades) require a concealed weapons permit |
- Open Carry: You may openly carry most knives, except ballistic knives, throughout Florida. However, open carry is prohibited in certain locations such as schools, courthouses, and government buildings.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of a “common pocket knife” (a folding knife with a blade under four inches) does not require a permit. Carrying any other knife concealed—including fixed blades, large folding knives, or automatic knives with blades longer than four inches—requires a concealed weapons permit.
Age and Permit Requirements
- Minimum Age: You must be 21 or older to carry a concealed knife, unless you are active-duty military or an honorably discharged veteran.
- Minors: Minors may carry a pocket knife with parental consent. It is illegal to sell or give a knife (other than a pocket knife) to anyone under 18 without parental permission.
Restricted Locations
Regardless of permit status, knives (even pocket knives) are prohibited in:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Government buildings (courthouses, police stations, etc.)
- Airports and polling places
- Any location where illegal activities are occurring
Key Legal Definitions
- Common Pocket Knife: A folding blade knife under four inches, designed for utility and not primarily as a weapon. These are exempt from most concealed carry restrictions.
- Deadly Weapon: Knives with blades over four inches, or those designed for use as weapons, are classified as deadly weapons and require a permit for concealed carry.
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 a $1,000 fine.
- Giving or selling a knife to a minor without parental consent is also a first-degree misdemeanor.
Self-Defense and Use
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law allows for the use of force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent harm. However, using a knife in self-defense is only justified if the response is proportional to the threat.
Summary Table: Florida Knife Laws
| Knife Type | Open Carry | Concealed Carry (No Permit) | Concealed Carry (Permit Needed) | Illegal to Own/Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket knife (<4″) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Fixed-blade knife (<4″) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Fixed-blade knife (>4″) | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Switchblade/Automatic (<4″) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Switchblade/Automatic (>4″) | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Ballistic knife | No | No | No | Yes |
Best Practices
- Always check local ordinances, as some cities and counties may have stricter rules.
- Never carry a knife (open or concealed) into restricted locations.
- If carrying a knife for self-defense, ensure you understand Florida’s proportionality and justification requirements.
Florida law offers broad rights for knife ownership and carry, but with clear boundaries regarding concealed carry, blade length, types of knives, and restricted locations. Staying informed and compliant ensures you can exercise your knife rights responsibly and legally in the Sunshine State.
Sources:
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/knife-laws-in-florida/
- https://www.thelawofwe.com/what-knives-are-illegal-in-florida/
- https://www.thedensonfirm.com/weapon-charges/florida-knife-laws-everything-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.legalsurvivalguide.org/self-defense-law/florida-knife-pepper-spray-and-stun-gun-laws/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-florida-a-comprehensive-guide-to-carry-legally/