All Laws Decoded

Pepper Spray Laws in Florida

The rules on pepper spray in Florida: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Adults may carry pepper spray in Florida, openly or concealed, for lawful self-defense. The law calls it a "self-defense chemical spray": a compact device carried for self-defense that holds not more than two ounces of chemical, and it is left out of the definition of a banned "chemical… Fla. Stat. §§ 790.001(4)(b), 790.01(5)(b), 790.053(2), 790.054

Pepper sprayAdults may carry pepper spray in Florida, openly or concealed, for lawful self-defense. The law calls it a "self-defense chemical spray": a compact device carried for self-defense that holds not more than two ounces of chemical, and it is left out of the definition of a banned "chemical weapon or device." Using a self-defense chemical spray on a law enforcement officer who is doing his or her job is a third-degree felony. Carrying it does not protect anyone from prosecution for using it while committing a crime.
Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 790.001(4)(b), 790.01(5)(b), 790.053(2), 790.054

More Florida criminal law

FAQ

Is pepper spray legal in Florida?
Adults may carry pepper spray in Florida, openly or concealed, for lawful self-defense. The law calls it a "self-defense chemical spray": a compact device carried for self-defense that holds not more than two ounces of chemical, and it is left out of the definition of a banned "chemical weapon or device." Using a self-defense chemical spray on a law enforcement officer who is doing his or her job is a third-degree felony. Carrying it does not protect anyone from prosecution for using it while committing a crime.

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.