Interpreting Florida Legal Blade Lengths: What You Should Know

Laws Concerning Knives in Florida

The following statutes, codes may be referenced in discussing the overall legal status of knives in Florida:

Florida Statute 2.01
Florida Constitution Article II Section 3
Florida Statute 2.02 (2)

Florida Knife Law is governed by Florida Statutes, Section 790 titled "Control of Weapons and Firearm". Only a few legal definitions are necessary for determining what is considered a blade, knife, sword, or other weapon. This is provided for under FL Statute 790.001, which states, "(13) ‘Knife’ means any dirk, metal knuckles, slingshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or electronic weapon or device, any baton, or any stiletto."
As we can see this covers many forms of a knife, no matter how simple or complex, simple swords or complex swords, and other weapons such as knives and forks. If you are carrying a weapon there is no definition needed to cover you. If someone was to ask you show them you are complying with the rules, simply showing them the blade, knife, sword, dagger, dirk , and so forth would be enough. Only a few knives are not allowed in the state of Florida, including a saw-edged (or razor) blade, or switchblade knife.
The definition of a switchblade, per the law states, "(c) ‘Bowie knife’ means a large knife, with a hilt and usually a handguard, having a long, razor-edged, point-tipped blade that broadens toward the end and that can be opened by a flick of the wrist or by means of a spring or other device in the handle."
Items like bowie knives, daggers, dirks, and stiletto are treated similar to a switch blade, meaning they are illegal to sell, manufacture, or bring into the state.
This applies to common knives; pocket knives, fishing blades, or folding blades, there are some limitations. You cannot carry concealed on school property, or places of worship. You cannot carry concealed on public transportation. You cannot carry concealed where it is prohibited by an action or written notice. You will not be charged under the law if you are compliant with either of these stipulations.

Blade Length Specifications Under the Law

Legal blade length standards can be confusing, especially when we’re talking about a straightforward black letter issue. The law on knife blade length in Florida is a good example of why that is. Broadly, the limit on knife blade length in Florida is more or less five inches and there are few exceptions. Under Florida law, "knife" means any "dirk, knife, razor, or short-bladed tool," as well as any "straight-edge, curved-edged or serrated-blade" knife. "Blade" means "the solid part of the tool or weapon, consisting of a pointed, sharp-pointed, or edged metal strip sharpened for cutting." "Straight-edge, curved-edge, or serrated-edge" means a blade with a cutting edge or edges and may or may not have a sharpened point. It does not mean an ordinary tool or implement such as a flat saw, wood chisel, or folding knife. For any other state, the "straight-edge, curved-edge, or serrated-edge" definition would probably stretch the allowance of the non-bladed steel bar. However, the public policy question here – if there is one – is whether a circumvention of the law on technical grounds is a good idea.
Florida Statute section 790.22 (1) defines "common pocket knife" as "a foldable, penknife, or utility knife having a blade which is two and one-half inches or less in length and which has no features to assist the user in opening or closing the knife, which do not include lock entry or lock back types. A common pocket knife does not include a table knife, folding blade used for eating purposes, or a sandwich-type knife."
For purposes of part II, guns and weapons, Florida Statutes section 790.001 (10) defines "knife" as "any dirk, knife, razor, or short-bladed tool except a common pocketknife, plastic knife, or folding knife having a blade of less than four inches in length."
The bottom line is that knife blade length, for purposes of Florida Statute section 790.222 (Dagger.) in Orange County is two-and-one-half inches less, hence, a "common pocket knife."

Knives That Are Prohibited and Other Exceptions

While most knife enthusiasts planning to carry a knife for self-defense in Florida are concerned with whether the blade is longer than 4-inches, there are a number of other exceptions for specific types of knives regardless of blade length. These include:
Dirks, daggers, or other weapons having an unusual or degenerate shape or form and which are intended for stabbing.
Knives, razors, or other devices intended for the offense, but not knives designed solely and specifically for the purpose of the defense of person or property.
Balisong or butterfly knives (also called balisong, fan knives, or parangan) which have a blade which is folded within the handle.
Boot knives (a small dagger which can be secured to the inside of a boot.)
Any dirks, samshools, or spearheads.
Other offensive weapons which cannot legally be carried.
However, while all of these weapons are technically illegal to carry openly, some are legal to carry concealed under a special exception in Florida law. That is, with a special license you can conceivably carry any of these so long as it can be hidden away and is completely undetectable by a casual observer. For the purposes of knife and other weapon defense, concealed carry in Florida is dealt with under a Concealed Carry License. You can read about this license and how it is applicable to your dal to learn more.

Concealed Carry Restrictions

While personal, open carry of knives in Florida of a six inch or less blade length is lawful, concealed carry may be completely separate.
Florida Statute 790.01 provides general rules for concealed carry of any weapon or firearm in the State of Florida.
General rules for concealed carry knives are provided by Florida Statute 790.01 regarding carrying concealed weapons:

(2) Whoever carries a concealed firearm on or about his or her person shall be licensed as provided in this section.
(3) This section does not apply to:

(c) Persons licensed under ss. 790.06 and 790.0655 to carry a concealed weapon, except during the time period that a named person is prohibited from possessing and carrying firearms by a court order entered pursuant to s. 394.467 or former s. 397.451 , 397.461, or 397.677 (1989).

(4) Penalties:

(a) A person violating subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, or as provided in s. 775.069.
(b) Any person violating subsection (2) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.069, and forfeits any firearm involved.
(c) Any person violating subsection (2) is subject to the penalty provided for a misdemeanor of the first degree, as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.069, and forfeits any weapon involved.
As such, if you are issued a license to carry concealed, Florida Statute 790.23 makes it unlawful to carry such knives while intoxicated or in the presence of a controlled substance.

Penalties for Blade Length Offenses

Violating Florida’s legal blade length limits can result in criminal sanctions. Those caught carrying or possessing a knife over the legal limit may be charged with a second degree misdemeanor under Florida Statutes Section 775.082. Penalties for a second degree misdemeanor in Florida may include up to 60 days in jail and/ or up to six months of probation and/ or payment of a fine of up to $500.
In addition to criminal penalties, convictions for possessing an illegal knife can also have collateral consequences. Knife ownership and permits to carry a knife may preclude future employment or professional licensure. It is common for employers and licensing programs to run background checks as part of their review process to determine whether applicants are fit for the job or position.
A conviction as a result of knife possession can result in a criminal record that will show up on subsequent background checks leading to potential license revocation and termination of employment. Further, a person who is convicted of a criminal offense is registered as a felon and loses their voting rights.

Advice for Knife Owners in Florida

Knife Laws in Florida: Here is some practical advice to follow:

It is a good idea to always know how long the blade of your knife is. As mentioned above, knives with a blade length greater than 4 inches are generally considered illegal in Florida. Additionally, while the statute (Chapter 790.225) only mentions knives with a blade length greater than 4 inches, Florida courts have been known to find that knives with blade lengths of approximately 4 inches are also prohibited.
When thinking about the legal blade length for knives, a good rule of thumb is 4 inches. In general, consider any knife over 4 inches to be illegal. While there are certain exceptions (i.e., switch blade knives less than 20 inches), the rule is generally 4 inches. Therefore, even if your possession of the knife is legal, you can still be charged with a crime if you have a knife that measures greater than 4 inches in blade length.
Be careful where you place your knife. Just because your knife is legal to have, does not mean that you can take your knife wherever you want. For example, it is illegal to have a knife on school property, i.e. , you cannot bring your knife on campus. Also, other types of weapons and dangerous items are prohibited on school property. In addition to week-long suspensions, a student can be prosecuted for weapon possession crimes. It is also illegal for certain people to have knives with them. An example is people who have been adjudicated mentally incompetent to carry concealed weapons due to mental illness cannot possess knives and other weapons.
In terms of gaudy, flashy knives, some weapons and knives can be considered dangerous or offensive weapons. It is best to not possess a dangerous weapon or offensive weapon, including gaudy weapons and knives. Dangerous weapons include daggers and dirks. Offensive weapons include swords and swords with a blade length of over 26 inches and battle axes. In addition, it is illegal to brandish, display, show, explain, or elucidate the use of or use any weapon or deadly weapon that is visible to any other person who is not participating in a demonstration, exhibition, lesson, or class. The law prohibits the use of gaudy weapons and knives. This means if you have a flashy weapon or knife it should be hidden so it is not visible.