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Are Automatic Knives Legal in Florida?

Are Automatic Knives Legal in Florida?

The Short Answer

Yes. Automatic knives are legal to own and carry in Florida. The Florida legislature has never enacted a ban on automatic knives or switchblades. Unlike most states, Florida simply never jumped on the switchblade-hysteria bandwagon of the 1950s.

The main issue in Florida isn't the type of knife — it's how you carry it. Open carry is legal for any knife. Concealed carry of anything other than a "common pocketknife" requires a concealed weapon or firearm license (CWFL). With a license, you can carry any knife concealed, including automatics and OTF knives.

What Florida Law Actually Says

The Statute (Fla. Stat. § 790.01 and § 790.001)

Florida's weapons laws are found in Chapter 790. The key definitions come from § 790.001:

"'Weapon' means any dirk, metallic knuckles, slungshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon except a firearm or a common pocketknife."

— Fla. Stat. § 790.001(13)

And the concealed carry prohibition from § 790.01:

"Except as provided in subsection (3) and subsection (4), a person who is not licensed under s. 790.06 and who carries a concealed weapon or concealed firearm on or about his or her person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree..."

— Fla. Stat. § 790.01(1)

What That Means in Plain English

Florida's knife law structure is straightforward:

1. A "common pocketknife" is not a weapon under Florida law. You can carry one concealed without any license. 2. Any knife that isn't a common pocketknife is a "weapon" — and carrying it concealed without a CWFL is a first-degree misdemeanor. 3. A person with a CWFL can carry any knife (weapon or not) concealed. 4. Open carry of any knife is legal.

There's no mention of switchblades, automatics, or OTF knives anywhere in Chapter 790. The mechanism by which a knife opens is irrelevant under Florida law.

The "Common Pocketknife" Question

Florida law doesn't define "common pocketknife" by statute. Courts have provided guidance:

In L.B. v. State of Florida, 700 So.2d 370 (1997), the Florida Supreme Court defined it as:

"A type of knife occurring frequently in the community which has a blade that folds into the handle and that can be carried in one's pocket."

The court also referenced a 1951 Florida Attorney General opinion that stated a pocketknife with a blade of 4 inches or less was a "common pocketknife." The Supreme Court upheld this as a reasonable standard.

Here's what matters for automatic knife owners: In 1951, when that AG opinion was issued, automatic knives were being produced by major American manufacturers like Imperial Schrade and W.R. Case. They were ordinary pocketknives. The AG saw nothing unusual about them.

However, one lower court decision — K.H., A Child v. State of Florida, 29 So.3d 426 (2010) — found that an automatic knife sold by a minor to another minor was not a "common pocketknife" because the automatic feature made it "uncommon." This decision applied only to that specific case and is not binding precedent, but it illustrates that some judges may view automatics differently.

The safe approach: If your automatic knife has a blade of 4 inches or less and folds into the handle, it has a strong argument for "common pocketknife" status. But if you want certainty for concealed carry, get a CWFL.

OTF Knives in Florida

OTF knives are legal in Florida. No restrictions on ownership, purchase, or open carry.

For concealed carry: an OTF with a blade of 4 inches or less likely qualifies as a "common pocketknife" and can be carried concealed without a license — but this isn't guaranteed by case law. A CWFL eliminates any ambiguity.

OTF knives with blades over 4 inches are likely not "common pocketknives" and should be carried either openly or with a CWFL.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Florida Considers Them

Florida doesn't distinguish between them because it doesn't restrict either. There is no statutory definition of "switchblade" or "automatic knife" in Chapter 790. The only restricted knife type under Florida law is the ballistic self-propelled knife under § 790.225 — a knife that shoots the blade as a projectile.

Whether you call your knife a switchblade, an automatic, an OTF, or a push-button opener — Florida law treats them all the same as any other knife.

Assisted openers are also unrestricted. Since Florida doesn't regulate opening mechanisms at all, there's no distinction to make.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Florida

Open Carry

Legal for any knife. Florida statute § 790.25 provides that lawful possession of weapons includes open carry. You can carry any automatic knife — of any blade length — openly on your person, on your belt, in a visible sheath, etc.

Be mindful of § 790.10 (Improper exhibition of dangerous weapons or firearms), which prohibits carrying a weapon "in a manner to cause fear" in others. Carrying a knife in a threatening manner, regardless of legality, can result in charges. Practical carry in a sheath or pocket clip is fine.

Concealed Carry

Without a CWFL:

  • "Common pocketknife" (folding, blade ≤ 4 inches, commonly occurring) — legal to carry concealed
  • Any other knife — illegal to carry concealed. First-degree misdemeanor.

With a CWFL:

  • Any knife can be carried concealed, including automatics, OTFs, and fixed blades of any length.

Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL)

The CWFL covers both firearms and other weapons, including knives. Key details:

  • Minimum age: 21 (or 18 for active military/veterans)
  • Application: Through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Requirements: Background check, fingerprinting, firearms safety course or equivalent training
  • Fee: $97 for initial application (Florida residents), $77 renewal
  • Duration: 7 years
  • Reciprocity: Florida has reciprocity with 37+ states

Despite the name including "firearm," this license explicitly covers concealed carry of weapons including knives. If you carry an automatic knife in Florida regularly, a CWFL is worth having for peace of mind.

Concealment Standard

Florida defines "concealed weapon" in § 790.001(3)(a):

"'Concealed weapon' means any dirk, metallic knuckles, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon carried on or about a person in such a manner as to conceal the weapon from the ordinary sight of another person."

The Florida Supreme Court in Dorelus v. State, 747 So.2d 368 (2000), noted that a visible pocket clip may negate concealment — but cautioned that this isn't automatic:

"The focus should remain on whether the weapon was carried in such a manner as to conceal it from ordinary sight."

A visible clip helps, but don't rely on it as a legal guarantee for larger knives.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

Even with a CWFL, certain locations are off-limits under § 790.06(12)(a):

  • Schools and school events (K-12 and colleges, per § 790.115)
  • Polling places
  • Professional athletic events not related to firearms
  • Court facilities
  • Government meetings
  • Portions of establishments serving alcohol (primarily the bar area)
  • Airport terminals (past security)
  • Career centers
  • College/university facilities (with some exceptions)

Note: A "common pocketknife" may be carried on school grounds per § 790.115, which provides a specific exception. But the definition of "common" in a school context may be interpreted narrowly by school officials and law enforcement.

Blade Length Restrictions

Florida has no statewide blade length restriction. There is no maximum blade length for ownership, open carry, or concealed carry with a CWFL.

The 4-inch "common pocketknife" standard is a judicial guideline, not a statutory limit. It's relevant only for determining whether you need a CWFL for concealed carry.

What About Assisted Openers?

Completely unrestricted. Florida does not regulate knife opening mechanisms. Assisted openers are legal to own and carry — openly or concealed — under the same rules as any other knife.

Preemption and Local Ordinances

Florida has statewide firearms preemption under § 790.33, but this applies specifically to firearms and ammunition — not to knives. Various Florida municipalities and counties have local knife ordinances that may impose additional restrictions.

Always check local law when traveling through different Florida jurisdictions, particularly Miami-Dade, Broward, and other urban counties.

Age Restrictions

  • § 790.17: It is illegal to furnish a "weapon" (which includes knives other than common pocketknives) to a person under 18 or a person of "unsound mind."
  • § 790.18: Dealers may not sell weapons to minors under 18.
  • CWFL: Minimum age 21 (18 for military).

There is no minimum age for possessing a common pocketknife. However, providing a non-pocketknife weapon to a minor is a criminal offense.

Special Provision: Mandatory Evacuation

Florida law includes a unique provision for hurricane evacuations. Under § 790.01(3)(a):

"A person who carries a concealed weapon... while in the act of evacuating during a mandatory evacuation order... shall not be in violation."

This exception applies for 48 hours after a mandatory evacuation order and permits concealed carry of weapons (including knives) without a license. The 48-hour period may be extended by the Governor.

Recent Law Changes

Florida's automatic knife laws have remained essentially unchanged for decades. The legislature has never banned switchblades or automatics, so there's been no need for legalization legislation.

The only knife-specific prohibition added in recent history is § 790.225, banning ballistic self-propelled knives, which was enacted in the 1980s.

No changes to Florida knife law are pending as of early 2026.

Buying Automatic Knives in Florida

Florida residents can purchase automatic knives from in-state retailers or online dealers without restriction. The Federal Switchblade Act affects interstate commercial shipment, but enforcement is minimal for individual consumer purchases.

Florida is one of the better states in the country for knife owners. No mechanism restrictions, no blade length limits, and a concealed carry license that covers all weapons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Florida?

Yes. Open carry is legal without any license. Concealed carry is legal with a CWFL. Without a license, concealed carry is likely legal if the blade is 4 inches or less (common pocketknife standard), but a CWFL removes all doubt.

Are switchblades illegal in Florida?

No. Florida has never banned switchblades or automatic knives. They are legal to own, buy, sell, and carry.

Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Florida?

No statutory blade length limit. The 4-inch guideline is a judicial interpretation for "common pocketknife" status only — it affects concealed carry without a license, not ownership or open carry.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.

Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.

When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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