Legal concealed folder in Florida

4

4scoleman

Joined
Dec 31, 1999
Messages
80
Does anyone know the maximum legal length of folder that is legal to carry concealed in Florida?
Thanks!
Scott Coleman
 
I have been told the law is very vague. Several LEO's have told me they realy don't care what you are carrying as long as their are no problems. In other words they wont ask you to pull your clipped folder from your pocket to measure the blade! I carry my Commander or small fixed blade on a daily basis and have never had a single problem.
I will be following this thread to see if anyone knows the actual law!
Neil

------------------
LiteWaves and Hawkbills in stock!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
 
I get varying responses to this inquiry. Some have said it is 4" or less.
Recently, I've read that there are no length restrictions on pocket knife carry as long as it's not concealed(?!). Huh? I can only idly speculate, with no real evidence, that as long as it is visible, the skies the limit.
I really wish someone in the know would step up and enlighten me/us. I've got this spankin' new Sifu and it's beggin' to be carried on a daily basis.
biggrin.gif
biggrin.gif
biggrin.gif
biggrin.gif
biggrin.gif


------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid!
 
Now that Waco Janette is out of there it seems like things ar looking up. You may get lucky like us Arkansas Hillbillies, she may go to New York. I know, New York don't want any of them either!!!


biggrin.gif


------------------
old pete

[This message has been edited by Pete Peterson (edited 02-06-2000).]
 
Watching this thread, don't have all the answers but maybe some....you're question was 'concealed carry'. Though I don't have my books or statutes in front of me what I remember on this subject pretty much says that there is 'NO' legal size of a 'weapon concealed' without a cc liscense. If you have lisc. then you're without limit as long as you maintain all other cavaets. Now it gets a bit murky when you have no lisc., ie...whats a weapon...if you've already found intoxicated and disturbing the peace...your fingernail/moneyclip knife may be written up as a concealed weapon...who knows. Then again...if I'm minding my own biz...creating no problems...a 7" blade is only a tool....not a weapon...not concealed...bit of interpretation..take no chances...get the permit.

hth...I've some material on the subject..but at work.


------------------
Only perfect practice makes perfect
 
The late JFK once said the he wants a one-arm lawyer, when asked why he said:

I am tired of hearing - one the one hand, on the other hand...

(P.s.: I am a lawyer too...)
 
Thanks for the help! I recently studied the laws for my Concealed Weapon License, and was unsure of the standard being applied. I like to know the law and obey it! I like to know I am on solid ground.
The actual statutes are unclear.
790.001 Definitions
3. a. "Concealed weapon" means any dirk, metallic knuckles, slingshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon carried on or about a person in such a manner as to conceal the weapon from the ordinary sight of another person.

13. " Weapon" means dirk, metallic knuckles, slingshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or any other deadly device except a firearm or common pocket knife.

These sections seems to give LEO wide latitude in defining what a deadly weapon is.
What is a common pocket knife? Who's to say? I wish the laws were more specific. They would be easier to obey and less abused by selective enforcement!
I would be interested in hearing from any Florida LEOs as to what standard is being applied!
Thanks
Scott Coleman
 
From the stories I've been hearing, it seems that here in Fla. the officer's of the law have a WIDE latitude for determining what is a weapon, what is concealed, what's not, and so on.
I find this a bit scary, but one plus in my favor is I look so conservative, I seldom garner a second look from police. It would be nice to know for certain as I don't want to get a concealed carry permit right now. I've got more knives on layaway right now, don'tchaknow?
biggrin.gif


------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid!
 
Thanks for your input Misque. I also am conservative looking, and don't draw a glance (or fit a profile) from LEOs. My Concealed Weapon License should arrive any time, then my worries will be over. Until then I am carrying a folder. I usually carry a 4" CS Voyager, but just got a 3" folder because someone at work thought the Voyager was a concealed weapon. I usually carry my knife clipped to my pocket, but at work I wear dress pants and it makes them sag! So I've been just carrying it in my pocket (concealed).
I really think the law needs to be more specific, as the officers have too much latitude now. Although I believe an argument can be made that a 4" folder is a common pocket knife. I'm not sure my Vaquero Grande would qualify though!!
 
Dr. Lathe;
I just re-read your post. If a knife is clipped to your pocket is it considered "concealed"? I wouldn't think so! How could a LEO say "I can see part of your knife, if it's too long I'm going to arrest you for having a concealed weapon"? Either it's visible or concealed, but not both! Now if the Officer were to discover a knife durring a legal search, and the knife was not visible, then that would be different.I was only worried because I have mine completely in my pocket when I wear dress pants! Maybe I should worry more when it's partially visible!!!
Help! Someone shed some light on this subject!!! I'm getting more confused!! Is that the purpose of the law???
Scott Coleman
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top