Knife Laws in Florida: Are Switchblades Illegal in Florida? (2024)

FAQs

Knife Laws in Florida: Are Switchblades Illegal in Florida? ›

Automatic knives are LEGAL for OPEN CARRY regardless of their blade length. Concealed carry is ILLEGAL of automatic knives UNLESS you have a VALID PERMIT.

Under Florida law, it is illegal to manufacture, display, sell, own, or possess any ballistic or self-propelled knife.

You can open carry any knife. Box cutters, multi-tools, and other work knives are legal to carry concealed. In most cases, conceal carry of a common pocket knife with a blade of less than 4 inches is legal. Concealed carry of nearly any knife is not allowed without a permit if the blade is over 4″ in length.

v State of Florida was simply that a “common pocketknife is a knife occurring frequently in the community with a blade that folds into the handle.” As to blade length, the Florida Supreme Court gave recognition to the 4 inches or less standard as being presumptively “common.” Pocketknives with blades longer than 4 ...

“Knives are considered deadly force weapons by the courts; therefore, they should only be used in situations where the individual reasonably believes he or she is in danger of great bodily harm or death, or to protect another from the same,” says McBroom.

U.S. Code Title 15, Sect. 1241 defines switchblade knives as any knives which open "1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade which opens automatically; (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both".

Florida. Brass knuckles are not illegal in Florida, but you must have a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon if you wish to carry them hidden or concealed.

California. In California, the knife laws are considered some of the strictest in the country. Throughout the state, it is considered legal to purchase and carry any knife under two inches in length. Some other knives that are legal within the state include bowie knives and large knives (no restriction in size).

Florida Knife Laws Regarding Length

The only law regulating length is related to pocket knives. Ordinary pocket knives, ones able to be carried in a concealed manner without a permit, must be less than 4 inches in length. Anything of this length or longer will require a permit in order to carry concealed.

Any knife or blade that is disguised so as to not look like a weapon is also illegal in California. This includes, cane swords, belt-buckle knives, lipstick case knives, air gauge knives, writing pen knives, etc. Blades that are undetectable to metal detectors (e.g., ceramic blades) are also illegal.

Can I carry a switchblade in Florida? ›

AUTOMATIC KNIVES (SWITCHBLADES)

Automatic knives are LEGAL for OPEN CARRY regardless of their blade length. Concealed carry is ILLEGAL of automatic knives UNLESS you have a VALID PERMIT.

In Florida, it is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony crime in any state to carry a concealed weapon.

In a Wire Fu movie, you should never bring a knife to a fistfight, because fisticuffs is king. Knives, guns, and any weapon that would give the wielder an advantage in a fight, especially if they're blood-spilling and are used against an unarmed opponent, have the reverse effect.

While it's entirely legal to carry a pocket knife for self-defense, using it recklessly is illegal, and can lead to serious legal problems. As such, you should avoid drawing and using the knife unless it is absolutely necessary.

Under Florida law, “defense of property” is an affirmative defense that justifies the use of non-deadly force to protect a person's land, home, vehicle, or other personal property. Florida does not recognize a right to use deadly force in the protection of property interests alone.

The difference is important legally; because the blade does not open simply "by the push of a button or by force of gravity" the assisted-opening knife is typically not considered a switchblade, and may escape the restrictions applying to those in many places.

In basic terms, a switchblade is a knife featuring a blade that springs out of the handle when a button is pressed. The typical switchblade, which is also known as an automatic or flick knife, looks like a regular folder, rotating around a hinge.

Knives that can be legally carried include: pocket-knives, non-locking folding knives, and. other folding knives that don't meet the definition of a switchblade.

Hand grenades are regulated under the National Firearms Act ("NFA"), a federal law first passed in 1934 and amended by the Crime Control Act of 1968. The 1968 amendments made it illegal to possess "destructive devices," which includes grenades. (26 U.S.C. § 5801.)

What is a common pocket knife in Florida? ›

In 1951, the Attorney General of Florida opined that a folding knife with a blade of four inches in length or less is a "common pocketknife." Op.

Under Penal Code 21810 PC, it is illegal in California to make, import, sell, give, or possess metal knuckles, or brass knuckles (“BKs”).

Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches.

As used in this part, “dirk” or “dagger” means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death.

The law in California allows most knives and has only some restrictions on concealed knives. Knives that are disguised as something else or intended to pass a metal detector are illegal. Schools are knife free zones. Additionally, daggers and throwing knives are illegal.

One may carry, but not brandish, a sword cane. Florida law, § 790.10, provides with respect to sword canes that it is unlawful to “exhibit the same in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense,” in the presence of one or more persons.

A switchblade (which may be known by many other names including a “pushbutton knife” or “ejector knife”) has a blade which is contained within the handle and is opened automatically by a spring by pushing a button or switch on the handle. Switchblades with blades longer than 2” are illegal to carry in California.

Switchblades, or automatic knives, might attract the most attention, but reforms in recent years have relaxed restrictions in most U.S. states. The most banned knife in the country remains the ballistic knife.

OTF Knives

They are sometimes called switchblades, OTFs, or just out-the-front knives. Out the front automatic knives are available in single-action or double-action, and we have a huge variety of both OTF knife styles.

Are Karambits Legal in Florida? In Florida, the law allows you to carry any knife openly, but limits conceal carry of certain knives. A karambit is a knife with a curved blade and is legal to own.

Can I carry a machete in my car in Florida? ›

However, there is a general rule of thumb to follow as long as you have a bit of important information. You can legally carry a knife in your car as long as it is below the length limit set by the state. This will range anywhere from 2.5″ up to 12″ for fixed blade knives.

A bayonet or combat knife is not prohibited. It is prohibited to modify bayonets and knives, for example with a saw blade or barb. This prohibition stems from the ban on using weapons, projectiles or substances which may cause unnecessary suffering.

In Florida, can a convicted felon hunt with a bow? During hunting seasons when such equipment are lawful, properly licenced convicted felons may hunt with bows, crossbows, and airguns. Convicted convicts, like any other hunter, are allowed to use a bow, crossbow, or airgun while hunting.

Federal law prohibits the shipment of 'injurious articles'—which includes automatic knives. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine or imprisonment for not more than one year. However, there is no federal restriction on shipment of automatic knives by common/contract carriers, such as FedEx and UPS.

Bringing a gun to a knife fight will usually leave your opponent at a perilous disadvantage due to the gun's far greater range. (Though if the fight is in close quarters, you will likely be at a disadvantage. You may also be accused of "not playing fair", but only if you leave survivors.)

Keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet and bend your knees slightly so you're able to move around quickly. Turn your body to the side so your dominant side is furthest from your opponent. Keep your hands level with your cheeks so you're able to throw punches quickly while also being able to defend yourself.

"Bring a knife to a gunfight" is an idiom in the English language that means to be poorly prepared for a given situation.

Knives are notorious for being taken from the original owner and used by an assailant against the owner or “good guy”. Guns are obviously more effective from a distance if your attacker is physically adept and sees you holding a gun, while a gun can be effective from any distance if used in stealth.

The most typical knife sheath carry position for a right-handed user would be the 3:00 position; a lefty would usually carry at 9. The same side as your dominant hand. If you normally use the knife with your right hand, this would mean carrying your blade on your right side (anywhere between 12 and 6).

Protect Yourself

A knife is one of the best things to carry that gives you some self-defense that's easy to carry. Carrying a knife for defense is a safe option, especially when talking about a folding knife.

Is it legal to shoot a trespasser in Florida? ›

The law allows a person to use deadly force anytime they are at risk of bodily harm or they feel their life is threatened. A person does not have a duty to retreat. As long as they are not trespassing onto someone else's property, they can use deadly force to defend themselves.

Essentially, it's considered justifiable in Florida to use or threaten to use deadly force to defend yourself if you think you're in danger of being killed or seriously harmed by another person. Unlike the laws in some other states, you're not required to try to run away first.

Historically, Florida has always acknowledged what is called the “castle doctrine”. This legal doctrine allows for the use of deadly force if you are defending your home from an intruder and fear for your life.