Florida Knives

[fernset]

As I understand it, without a CCW permit a person is allowed to carry a knife max 4"
(3" in some counties) because it is considered an everyday pocket knife and not a weapon. Can anyone shed any insight?
What about if the knife has a pocket clip so that it is technically not concealed (you can see the clip)???

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[BAC]

There are no blade-length rules in Florida. Hell, knives aren't included in the definition of "weapon" in Florida. Like screwdrivers, they can become weapons, but are not defined exclusively as weapons under law. Under Florida law you can carry a pocket knife of any reasonable blade length (undefined term) and it is assumed that the knife is just a tool.


-B

[wotblake]

As long as the knife is not able to launch the blade as a projectile it's legal in Florida.

[gimpy]

As long as the knife is not able to launch the blade as a projectile it's legal in Florida.

I agree. Could not find anything during a search of the Florida Statutes regarding knives other than the no projectile issue.

[fernset]

Thanx for the responses?

[retsupt99]

Assisted openers are fine, also...

[fsufanaz]

So assisted opener are fine but what about the super "deadly" auto opener switchblade.

Ed

[Don G.]

Read on:

http://www.thebladeshop.com/index.as...n=Custom&ID=27

[StevePVB]

The length of the blade wasn't addressed in the statutes. The FL Supreme Court found that a common pocketknife is not a weapon if the blade is under 4". They also found that there could be instances where a blade greater than 4" was still not a weapon. There have been other court cases on this topic (probably because the statutes were so unclear).

Also, blade length is irrelevant when schools are involved. Can't have a common pocket knife at a school, school grounds, bus stop or school bus.

[BAC]

Also, blade length is irrelevant when schools are involved. Can't have a common pocket knife at a school, school grounds, bus stop or school bus.

Uh... never heard that one. Mind helpin' a brotha out? Where'd you find that statute?


-B

[StevePVB]

Uh... never heard that one. Mind helpin' a brotha out? Where'd you find that statute?


-B

790.115

Also, Gutmacher's book pg 106. For what it's worth, I rely on his interpretation rather than mine -- I'm not a lawyer.

[fernset]

I went to the police dept. at my university and asked if I could have a poket knife (didn't display mine incase). The chief said that students are allowed to carry pocket knives because they use them to peel fruit and such and that anything could be used as a weapon. All he said is that I cant bring some thing stupid like a sword, wave a knife around (threatningly), and it really should fit in your hand. (I should have specified if he meant closed or open). He did mention that it is up the the officers disgretion. And that they have taken away knives and given them back later.

[BAC]

790.115

Also, Gutmacher's book pg 106. For what it's worth, I rely on his interpretation rather than mine -- I'm not a lawyer.

Thanks for the update.

Strictly speaking, knives aren't allowed within 1,000 feet of school grounds unless part of a school-sanctioned event where one is required and where it is not being used in a "rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner". That's a shame too, since a knife is one of the most useful tools to keep on your person.

Damn.


-B

[StevePVB]

Thanks for the update.

Strictly speaking, knives aren't allowed within 1,000 feet of school grounds unless part of a school-sanctioned event where one is required and where it is not being used in a "rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner". That's a shame too, since a knife is one of the most useful tools to keep on your person.

Damn.


-B

I believe knives would be treated the same as a gun. If you have a CWP then you can carry within 1,000 feet of a school.

[tns0038]

I believe knives would be treated the same as a gun. If you have a CWP then you can carry within 1,000 feet of a school.

I agree with ya.