Knife Laws In Florida
Florida is known for its exceptionally warm and sunny weather. The sunshine state is among the best soothing places in the US. It depicts cultural diversity with a lot of outdoor fun activities like camping and hunting. When we talk about outdoor activities; the first thing that pops into our mind is a “knife”. So, you need to absorb state law, though, statutes are hard to navigate, nevertheless, this particular content would be assisting to remove all the obscurities. Florida happily allows the dwellers to own survival knives to defend themselves from a wildlife encounter or to cope with a nasty situation.
Knife legislation is mandatory to save the state’s tourism
It is always sensible to check the state’s laws whether you are a resident, a new immigrant, or intended to move to Florida for vacation or to settle. However, the knife is a utility tool but a criminal-minded approach can transform it into a “deadly weapon”. The creepy situation leads to making and enforcing the knife laws to keep peace and harmony in the state. Florida is one of the most gentle places in the US where tourists land all 365 days of the year, and it is obligatory to develop flawless knife legislation to save tourism.
Combat flipper at your belt or peeling a fruit; THE LAW WILL DECIDE
The law will decide the legality of owning a knife whether for self-defense or shaving tinder on a hike on the wood. It is advisable to avoid unnecessary knife display in public and stick to the grounds of law to stay safe and secure. Moreover, a responsible citizen always abides by the laws imposed by the state. You can enjoy having fun with your favorite knife whilst staying within the arms of the law.
Can a Minor Carry a Knife in Florida?
The Florida law states,
“The law prohibits selling, buying, or transferring any electric weapon, dirk, or any weapon other than an ordinary pocket knife to a minor under 18 years without consent of their guardian or parent.”
The legal consequences of breaching the law
As per the law,
“A person violating this law commits a first-degree felony.”
What is Legal to Own in Florida
Enjoy the ecstasy whilst owning the knives that are granted the lawful status by Florida. Here is a glance at the knife types.
- Balisong knives
- Belt knives
- Cane knives, and other disguised knives
- Bowie knives and other large knives
- Throwing stars and throwing knives
Undetectable knives (knives that will not set off metal detectors)
Knives that are explicitly illegal to own in Florida
Ballistic knives are illegal. The only type of knife that Florida disowns completely and regulates the sale and ownership of is ballistic knives. It is the anatomy of the knife that pushes it into the illegal category. It has a detachable blade that can be shot a significant distance when a trigger, lever, or switch is galvanized. It is different from a pocket knife because the blade becomes completely separated from the hilt.
Under Florida law,
“It is illegal to manufacture, display, sell, own, or possess any ballistic or self-propelled knife. Any person found with a ballistic knife will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. The law does not limit individuals from owning, selling, or buying any knife except for ballistic knives.”
Ballistic Knife Ban Fla. Stat. § 790.225 (2012),
“Ballistic self-propelled knives; unlawful to manufacture, sell, or possess; forfeiture; penalty. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, display, sell, own, possess or use a ballistic self-propelled knife which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile and which physically separates the blade from the device employing a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. A ballistic self-propelled knife is declared to be a dangerous or deadly weapon and a contraband item. It shall be subject to seizure and shall be disposed of as provided in s. 790.08(1) and (6).”
Ballistic knives are fiend in the eyes of the law in Florida, so, it is sensible to stay away from them.
Limits on Carrying knives in the state
You can open and carry any knife. Though, box cutters, multi-tools, and other utilitarian knives are legal to carry concealed. An ordinary pocket knife is permissible to conceal and carry with a blade of fewer than 4 inches, though, any knife with a blade of more than 4 inches is illegal without a permit.
The Law of Florida says, § 790.06 (2018,
“The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is authorized to issue licenses to carry concealed weapons or concealed firearms to persons qualified as provided in this section. Each such license must bear a color photograph of the licensee. For this section, concealed weapons or concealed firearms are defined as a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or Billie …”
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
“It is a crime to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. A concealed weapon is a deadly weapon that is outside of the sight of others. The law presumes deadly weapons are weapons that can cause death or grave bodily harm. If a pocket knife is over 4 inches and in the open position, it is a weapon and excluded from being a “common pocket knife. However, if the pocket knife has too many features, it might not be a “common pocket knife.”. If the knife was designed for utility and not harm, it is not a deadly weapon. Having a knife in the vehicle usually counts as having a concealed weapon but, if it is visible through the windows, it is not concealed.”
The law is complex regarding pocket knives. However, a little guidance is depicted to guide tourists, citizens, and new immigrants to keep them safe and familiar with the laws imposed by the state. It is advantageous to opt for safety measures and stay away from legal ambiguities. A mere ignorance can put you behind the bars, because, the law in Florida is not lenient in this regard. The crux of the matter is you should stick to a plain 4-inch pocket knife, multi-tool, or box cutter. Any other type of knife can be illegal.
Is it Legal to Carry a Knife on School Grounds or College Campuses?
Under Florida state law,
“It is illegal to possess a firearm or any other weapon at school, on a school bus, or at any school-sponsored event. The possession of any dirk, metallic knuckles, knife, destructive device, electric weapon, razor blade, box cutter, slingshot, tear gas gun, or Billie on school property or a school-sponsored event is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in jail.”
Legal weapons in "weapon-free zones"
The law allows only two non-lethal weapons that are tolerable on school property by law are
- Common pocket knives
- Pepper spray that is less than two ounces
However, go through your local ordinances and school policy before sending your child to school with these objects.
The knife legislation is implemented in the entire state
Florida is a place of Hussle and bustles, that’s why the law is implemented in every nook and corner to avoid any undesirable situation that can damage the peace and tourism. There are also local laws made for all the cities in the state. The law enforcement agencies are bound to enforce the knife laws. Most cities in Florida have clearer guidelines and the rules and regulations are not hard to understand and follow. The legal framework leaves little room to get legal advice to know what is legal and illegal in the state’s law. Local municipality knife laws in Florida preempts local city and county laws that govern the carrying of weapons for citizens. However, it is restricted to only those who have their concealed weapons license. People without a legal permit may have to follow any city and district law that they may come across.
Conclusion on Florida Knife Laws
Florida knife laws are easy to understand. And the law expects obedience from the dwellers and tourists. You can own any knife as long as it is not a ballistic knife and, it would be fine and satisfactory if you keep your knives at home. You are also allowed to open and carry any knife you want. You can conceal carry a knife that is considered a deadly weapon if you have a permit to do so.
