Reviewed September 2026

Florida Knife Laws

In Florida, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. A "common pocketknife" (around 4 inches, folding) may be carried concealed without a license; larger blades need a concealed weapon license. The blade limit to know: About 4 inches for the pocketknife exemption.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal to own and carry.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

A "common pocketknife" (around 4 inches, folding) may be carried concealed without a license; larger blades need a concealed weapon license.

Local Ordinances

Florida has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Open carry of larger knives is generally allowed; ballistic knives are banned.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: Fla. Stat. §§790.01, 790.06, 790.115

Florida allows unlicensed concealed carry only of a "common pocketknife," which L.B. v. State, 700 So.2d 370 (1997) tied to a folding blade of about 4 inches or less based on a 1951 Attorney General opinion. In K.H. v. State, 29 So.3d 426 (2010), a minor's automatic knife was held outside the common pocketknife category. Ballistic knives are separately banned under §790.225, and §790.01(3)(a) creates an unusual exception permitting concealed weapons carry during a mandatory evacuation under a declared state of emergency.

Florida Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Florida?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Florida. Automatic knives are legal to own and carry. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Florida?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Florida. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Florida?

Generally yes, within limits: A "common pocketknife" (around 4 inches, folding) may be carried concealed without a license; larger blades need a concealed weapon license. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Florida?

The limit to know is About 4 inches for the pocketknife exemption. Open carry of larger knives is generally allowed; ballistic knives are banned.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Alabama, Georgia.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Florida

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Florida. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, or read our guide to the best knives in Florida, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.