Florida Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Florida. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Florida for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, § 775.0846, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Florida has no state-level restrictions on civilian body armor ownership beyond the federal felon ban. All NIJ levels are legal. Florida's large military and law enforcement community supports a robust retail market.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions. Florida has a large number of tactical and military surplus retailers.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Florida Statute § 775.0845 provides enhanced sentencing: wearing body armor during the commission of certain felonies (murder, sexual battery, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, escape, aggravated assault/battery) reclassifies the offense one degree higher.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALFlorida Statutes § 790.01 defines brass knuckles as a prohibited weapon. Possession, sale, or manufacture is illegal except for law enforcement or military use.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for authorized personnel.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer.
Penalties
Third degree felony; up to 5 years imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is illegal).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Florida with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Florida allows permitless concealed carry for residents and non-residents 21 or older who are legally allowed to possess firearms, effective July 1, 2023, under Florida Statutes § 790.06.
Permitless Carry Rules
No permit required for concealed carry if 21+ and not prohibited.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales regulated under federal and state laws; background checks required for some sales.
Penalties
Illegal carry can result in criminal penalties including misdemeanors.
Minimum Age
21 years or older
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Florida with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Florida with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
ILLEGALOpen carry of firearms is generally prohibited in Florida. Florida's open carry ban was overturned, with the new law taking effect on September 25, 2025, allowing open carry in many public areas for the first time in decades.
Open Carry Rules
Illegal for most civilians
Permit Requirements
Firearms sales legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Criminal weapons charges for open carry violations.
Minimum Age
21+
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDPepper spray is legal in Florida with restrictions on container size limited to 2 ounces. Use against law enforcement officers is a third-degree felony, while other unlawful uses are misdemeanors.
Carrying
Legal without permit
Purchase
Sale restricted to persons 18 and older
Penalties
Third-degree felony for use against law enforcement; misdemeanor for other unlawful use
Age Restriction
18+
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Florida. Florida state law does not prohibit suppressors and does not impose additional restrictions beyond federal regulations.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Allowed with federal compliance; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal laws are followed.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
ILLEGALFlorida prohibits switchblades under Fla. Stat. § 790.01(13). Possession, sale, and manufacture are illegal except for law enforcement and military personnel.
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
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDStun guns are legal in Florida for self-defense but possession is prohibited for convicted felons and minors under 16 must have adult supervision.
Ownership
Legal for adults without felony convictions; illegal for convicted felons and unsupervised minors under 16
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Second-degree misdemeanor for minors under 16 carrying without adult supervision; felony for convicted felon possession
Age Restriction
18+