Jacksonville, FL asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for Florida

Q: Is it legal to open carry a knife in Florida?

I understand in Georgia you cannot open carry a knife longer than 5 inches. A man talked at a sporting goods store said it is illegal to open carry a knife in Florida, and from my understanding, it is legal.

2 Lawyer Answers
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Municipal Law Lawyer
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: There doesn't appear to be a similar provision in Florida law. See

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0790/0790ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2017&Title=%2D%3E2017%2D%3EChapter%20790

Florida Statute 790.10 Improper exhibition of dangerous weapons or firearms.— provides that:

"If any person having or carrying any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon shall, in the presence of one or more persons, exhibit the same in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, the person so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083." So one can openly carry such a knife, as long as it is not exhibited "in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner".

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
Answered
  • MIramar Beach, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: I agree with attorney Thorgaard's analysis.

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