Are Nunchucks Legal in Florida?
Last checked Nov 13, 2026: No statewide ban on owning nunchucks was found in Florida, but a Florida appeals court has held they are a "deadly weapon" for concealed-carry purposes (R.V. v. State, Fla. 3d DCA 1986).
Concealed carry risk
Last updated: · By Mason Martinez
The statutes
- Fla. Stat. § 790.01 (carrying concealed weapons)
- Fla. Stat. § 790.001 (definitions)
- Fla. Stat. § 790.115 (weapons at schools)
- R.V. v. State, 497 So. 2d 912 (Fla. 3d DCA 1986)
Owning and carrying: the short version
- No Florida statute names nunchaku, and no statewide ban on owning them was found.
- In R.V. v. State (Fla. 3d DCA 1986), the court treated nunchaku as a deadly weapon and upheld concealed-weapon findings.
- Since July 2023, a person who meets Florida's license criteria may carry a concealed weapon without a license. Others can still be charged under § 790.01(2).
- Having a weapon on school property or at a school event is a felony under § 790.115(2).
Local rules
Cities and counties can have their own weapons rules. Check your local code before you buy or carry.
Buying and shipping
FAQ
Can you own nunchucks in Florida?
No statewide ban on owning nunchaku was found in Florida law.
Can you carry nunchucks concealed in Florida?
Florida courts have treated nunchaku as a deadly weapon for the concealed-weapon law (R.V. v. State, 1986). Since July 2023, people who meet the state's license criteria may carry a concealed weapon without a license; others may be charged.
Can I bring nunchucks to a Florida school?
No. Possessing a weapon on school property or at a school event is a felony under Fla. Stat. § 790.115(2).
Not legal advice. This page is general educational information, not legal advice. I'm not an attorney. City, county, tribal, federal, and private-property rules can be stricter than state law, and laws change. Check the current statute and talk to a licensed attorney in your area if you have questions.
Every state, in one book
This page is a short summary. For all 50 states, D.C., and the U.S. territories, see Nunchaku Laws.
Book 2 in the Nunchaku Mastery series
Nunchaku LawsA 50-State Guide to Possession, Carry, and Self-Defense Law, Plus D.C. and U.S. Territories
Paperback, 204 pages. A Kindle ebook version is also available.
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