Is Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal in Florida? (2026)
No — Switchblades / Automatic Knives are illegal in Florida as of 2026.
Ad Space
Quick Answer
Florida prohibits switchblades under Fla. Stat. § 790.01(13). Possession, sale, and manufacture are illegal except for law enforcement and military personnel.
What the Law Says
Florida law does not prohibit the possession or carry of switchblades. Ballistic knives are illegal and possessing one is a first-degree misdemeanor.
— Florida Statutes § 790.01
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Possession | Illegal for civilians; exceptions for law enforcement and military. |
| Sale & Purchase | Illegal to sell or manufacture. |
| Penalties | Second degree misdemeanor; fines and/or imprisonment up to 60 days. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant legislative changes in recent years. Florida's knife laws have been relatively stable.
Enforcement Reality
Florida has permissive knife laws. Switchblades are legal to own and carry. Enforcement is focused on the use of a knife in a crime, not on the type of knife being carried.
A common mistake is to be unaware of the prohibition on ballistic knives, which are illegal in Florida. Also, carrying a knife into a school or government building is a crime.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Florida. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Switchblades / Automatic Knives are illegal in Florida. Possession or use can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.
Florida vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, carrying a switchblade is fully legal in 18 states, restricted in 17, and illegal in 15. Florida falls in the ILLEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Switchblades / Automatic Knives:
Body Armor Laws Guide
This topic is closely related to body armor and self-defense laws.
Ad Space
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to carry Switchblades / Automatic Knives in Florida?
What are the penalties for carrying a switchblade in Florida?
How strictly does Florida enforce its switchblades / automatic knives laws?
What typically triggers enforcement in Florida?
Interactive Tools
See your overall risk score for Florida based on all your activities.
Get Risk Score →See how Switchblades / Automatic Knives laws change if you relocate from Florida.
Relocation Analyzer →Check if Switchblades / Automatic Knives laws change at state borders on your route.
Plan Your Trip →Get Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal Updates
Get notified when switchblades / automatic knives laws change in any state.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Florida Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Florida — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.
More Florida Legality Guides
Switchblades / Automatic Knives in Other States
Ad Space