Hi,
I have a rather primitive question probably typical for a foreigner who recently immigrated to the USA.
I am rather confused as to what the law is in Florida concering carrying knives. Surely, there must be some kind of laws limiting sizes, knife types (automatic opening), or locations. For example, I looked up http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=Search Statutes&Sub[B]menu=2[/B]&Tab=statutes and found out that knives are listed under the "concealed weapons statute". But the type fo knife is not specified (unless I missed something which is possible, the search engine was down a lot while I was looking through these statues). So what does it mean, a small Swiss Army knife with a 1,5 inch blade in my pocket would require a concealed weapons permit? Surely not.
==>But then, will I get in trouble if a carry a 3,5 inch blade folding utility knife like, for example, a Benchmark Doug Ritter RSM Mk1?<==
And who makes the decision anyway? The police, the Sheriff department, the State cops, the FBI, Parks & Recreation, Fish & Wildlife, the Coastguard, the State Troopers, or each and every one in their own jurisdiction? What about overlapping jurisdiction like Sheriff's department and police?
(-: I won't even mention Homeland Security, or the TSA in airports/railways stations & trains
Alternatively, do citizens simply have to accept the subjective opinion of whatever official from any of these branches of government they encounter and count on their understanding and kindness?! Surely not either...
Anyway, if any among you are Floridians or knowledgeable about Florida laws, I would really appreciate getting some info!
Many thanks in advance!
TN
PS: here is the statute with got me so perplexed: (excerpt - emphasis edded)
790.06 License to carry concealed weapon or firearm.--
(1) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is authorized to issue licenses to carry concealed weapons or concealed firearms to persons qualified as provided in this section. Each such license must bear a color photograph of the licensee. For the purposes of this section, concealed weapons or concealed firearms are defined as a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie, but the term does not include a machine gun as defined in s. 790.001(9). Such licenses shall be valid throughout the state for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance. Any person in compliance with the terms of such license may carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm notwithstanding the provisions of s. 790.01. The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times in which the licensee is in actual possession of a concealed weapon or firearm and must display both the license and proper identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer. Violations of the provisions of this subsection shall constitute a noncriminal violation with a penalty of $25, payable to the clerk of the court.
I have a rather primitive question probably typical for a foreigner who recently immigrated to the USA.
I am rather confused as to what the law is in Florida concering carrying knives. Surely, there must be some kind of laws limiting sizes, knife types (automatic opening), or locations. For example, I looked up http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=Search Statutes&Sub[B]menu=2[/B]&Tab=statutes and found out that knives are listed under the "concealed weapons statute". But the type fo knife is not specified (unless I missed something which is possible, the search engine was down a lot while I was looking through these statues). So what does it mean, a small Swiss Army knife with a 1,5 inch blade in my pocket would require a concealed weapons permit? Surely not.
==>But then, will I get in trouble if a carry a 3,5 inch blade folding utility knife like, for example, a Benchmark Doug Ritter RSM Mk1?<==
And who makes the decision anyway? The police, the Sheriff department, the State cops, the FBI, Parks & Recreation, Fish & Wildlife, the Coastguard, the State Troopers, or each and every one in their own jurisdiction? What about overlapping jurisdiction like Sheriff's department and police?
(-: I won't even mention Homeland Security, or the TSA in airports/railways stations & trains

Alternatively, do citizens simply have to accept the subjective opinion of whatever official from any of these branches of government they encounter and count on their understanding and kindness?! Surely not either...
Anyway, if any among you are Floridians or knowledgeable about Florida laws, I would really appreciate getting some info!
Many thanks in advance!
TN
PS: here is the statute with got me so perplexed: (excerpt - emphasis edded)
790.06 License to carry concealed weapon or firearm.--
(1) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is authorized to issue licenses to carry concealed weapons or concealed firearms to persons qualified as provided in this section. Each such license must bear a color photograph of the licensee. For the purposes of this section, concealed weapons or concealed firearms are defined as a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie, but the term does not include a machine gun as defined in s. 790.001(9). Such licenses shall be valid throughout the state for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance. Any person in compliance with the terms of such license may carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm notwithstanding the provisions of s. 790.01. The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times in which the licensee is in actual possession of a concealed weapon or firearm and must display both the license and proper identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer. Violations of the provisions of this subsection shall constitute a noncriminal violation with a penalty of $25, payable to the clerk of the court.