Florida law on switchblades..updated

The Florida statutes have been updated so that switchblades are no longer considered illegal. It clarifies the vague language in the original statutes that were misquoted in an appeals case a year or so ago that made any spring loaded knife contraband. The intention of the statute was not meant to include switchblades, only Ballistic type knives that has a blade that shoots out and detaches from the handle. The ammendment to the statutes passed the house and the senate on May 19th. Gov. Bush has 15 days to sign or veto the bill. I think that he intends to ignore it and so it becomes law at the end of the 15 days. I think that is June 3rd. I looked at the voting record and it seems that this passed both houses with 100% approval. There is still some question as to whether a concealed weapons permit is required to carry one though. No problem for me. I am now looking for a serious OTF Microtech or similar.... Nice!

Fantastic! That's great news!

I'd never use my simi-auto (kershaw) in a Crime, (as if I would commit a crime worse than speeding), but now I don't have to sweat so much pocketing it on the way out of the house.

I would have still been clear by the letter of the law since they don't use 'COIL' springs, but it would be my luck to get bothered by an overzellous LEO who was just out to throw his weight around. My steel toe shoes have been setting off theft alarms lately . . .

It still might happen, but such people don't deserve the responsibility of a badge (and I would take pleasure in seeing he has trouble hanging on to his). In the mean time, I'll just have to keep my nose clean (as if I wouldn't . . .)

Dan <><

Thats all well and good, but isn't there a federal law making switch blades illegal?

Just to further inform:

House bill is HB 1227 Current status: passed 4/24 117-0 (unanimous) Senate bill is SB 2256 Current status: passed 4/24 39-0 (unanimous)

Awaiting signature by the governor (and no obstacles seen!)

Original case was State of Florida V. Darynani 774 So.2d 855 26 Fla. L. Weekly D53 (Cite as: 774 So.2d 855)

4th District, Court of Appeals

Section 790.225 provides as follows:

(1) It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, display, sell, own, possess, or use a self propelled knife which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. A 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).

Here is a summary of the Court's findings:

I called the State Legistature today and was told that Bush signed the bill yestereday. I think that it is important to note that it is highly likely that a switchblade will not be considered a 'common pocket knife' and carrying concealed will likely require you to have a permit. I am not certain of this yet and some of the 'authorities' I inquired were unsure as well. According to Florida law though, if it is NOT concealed, you can carry just about anything (other than a firearm).