[sarhog]

I performed a search and came across this Dec 2003 post (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=53732&highlight=automatic+opening+knife) , in which a poster stated that "Switchblades are legal in Fla", but I cannot find any hard evidence. I also searched FL statutes ch790 with no luck.

I own a Benchmade Auto-opening knife nearly identical to this one. (http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=9050)
I also hold a Florida Concealed Weapon License.
That being said... can I legally carry this knife on me (concealed or otherwise) while I'm out and about in the state of Florida?

Links to actual statutes, or personal experience as or with law enforcement would be great.

Thanks,

[ruger357]

Try this website. www.packing.org

[sarhog]

Try this website. www.packing.org

I've been there. As stated earlier, I have already read the entire Chapter 790 of the Florida statutes. They make no mention of "auto-opening" or "switchblade" type of knife.

[ruger357]

Another thing you can try is asking the local law enforcement. That's what I did when I was wondering if auto's were legal in my neck of the woods. I talked to the State police and local, they were very helpfull. That website also did not mention switchblades or auto's for my state, they mainly stated as long as the blade was 3 inches or less it was legal. Not seeing anything about the switchblade or auto could also be a goodthing for you. I would still check with local law enforcement.

[Hkmp5sd]

The only knives not allowed in Florida are ones that actually eject/shoot the blade out of the knife.

790.225 Ballistic self-propelled knives; unlawful to manufacture, sell, or possess; forfeiture; penalty.--

(1) It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, display, sell, own, possess, or use a ballistic self-propelled knife which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile and which physically separates the blade from the device by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. A ballistic self-propelled knife is declared to be a dangerous or deadly weapon and a contraband item. It shall be subject to seizure and shall be disposed of as provided in s. 790.08(1) and (6).

(2) This section shall not apply to:

(a) Any device from which a knifelike blade opens, where such blade remains physically integrated with the device when open.

(b) Any device which propels an arrow, a bolt, or a dart by means of any common bow, compound bow, crossbow, or underwater spear gun.

(3) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.



http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/SEC225.HTM&Title=->2003->Ch0790->Section%20225#0790.225

[culleniii]

If you have a ccw license then you can carry a automatic "switchblade" knife in florida.

If you do not have a ccw you can still posess but not carry in florida.

[Commissar Gribb]

i'll never understand laws against autofolders. I've had a dozen manual folders that- with a small amount of practice- could be flipped open faster than an autofolder. I friggin hate these "feel good" laws.

[hso]

HKMP5SD is correct. The only prohibition against carry in FL is for ballistic knives.