Knives and pepper spray in Florida (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Florida's weapons chapter excludes a common pocketknife from the definition of a weapon and sets no blade-length limit; switchblades are not named, but ballistic knives are banned. A person who carries a concealed weapon without meeting the criteria for a licence commits a first-degree misdemeanour. A self-defence chemical spray of no more than two ounces may be carried concealed or openly, with no age or permit rule in the chapter.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A 'weapon' under Chapter 790 does not include a common pocketknife, a plastic knife or a blunt-bladed table knife. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Ballistic self-propelled knives (devices that propel a knifelike blade as a projectile) may not be manufactured, displayed, sold, owned, possessed or used. The chapter text read does not otherwise name locking, one-handed or automatic knives. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A dirk or other deadly weapon carried concealed on or about the person is a concealed weapon, and a knife is a 'weapon' unless it is a common pocketknife, plastic knife or blunt-bladed table knife. A person who does not meet the licence criteria and carries one commits a first-degree misdemeanour. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | A 'self-defense chemical spray' is a device carried solely for lawful self-defence that is compact, designed to be carried on or about the person and contains no more than two ounces of chemical. A person may carry one concealed or openly for lawful self-defence. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | A person does not violate the concealed carry offence while carrying a concealed weapon in the act of evacuating during a mandatory evacuation order, within 48 hours of the order. Exhibiting any weapon, including a common pocketknife, in a rude, careless, angry or threatening manner at a school or school event is a felony. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Chapter 790 does not name switchblade or automatic knives; only ballistic self-propelled knives are banned outright. A knife other than a common pocketknife is a 'weapon', and carrying one concealed without meeting the licence criteria is a first-degree misdemeanour. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Chapter 790 sets no blade-length limit. A common pocketknife is excluded from the definition of 'weapon', but the chapter does not define it by blade length. [1] |
| Pepper spray: size and age limitsCarrying in public places | A self-defence chemical spray must be compact, designed to be carried on the person and contain no more than two ounces of chemical; a larger device is a 'chemical weapon or device'. Chapter 790 sets no minimum age or permit for it, and using it against a law enforcement officer on duty is a third-degree felony. [1] |
Notes
- Chapter 790 does not define 'common pocketknife'.
- The sections read in Chapter 790 do not name switchblade, automatic, locking or one-handed knives, other than ballistic self-propelled knives.
- A person is authorised to carry a concealed weapon if licensed under s. 790.06 or if not licensed but meeting the criteria for receiving a licence under s. 790.06(2)(a)-(f) and (i)-(n), (3) and (10).
Sources
- The Florida Legislature: Florida Statutes, Chapter 790 Weapons and Firearms (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Florida and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Common pocketknife is not a 'weapon' | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: OK if licence-eligible, else misdemeanour | Allowed: up to 2 oz, for self-defence | No offence when evacuating; schools restricted |
| Alabama | Firearms only; no knife carry offence read | No separate rule | No sale to minors; no carry offence read | No carry ban read; use in a crime is a felony | School ban exempts police, school officers, permit holders |
| Georgia | Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' | No separate rule | Over 12 in: lawful weapons carrier only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, business; hunting and fishing |
More rules in Florida
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 20 g) · Growing at home: Prohibited, including for patients
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 12 months on a learner's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: None (local may set)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (from 30 Sep 2026)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.