Self-Defense in Florida
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law lets you use force anywhere you have a legal right to be, with no duty to retreat.
How Florida treats Self-Defense
You may use deadly force to protect yourself from imminent death, serious bodily harm, or felony without attempting to escape first. Florida Statute 776.013 provides immunity from prosecution if you act in self-defense, and the burden shifts to prosecutors to prove you were not acting lawfully. The law applies in your home, vehicle, workplace, and any public place where you have a legal right to be. You may also use force to prevent a forcible felony or to stop an intruder from unlawfully entering your home.
The general definition of Self-Defense
The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.
Self-defense is a legal justification for using force against someone who is attacking or about to attack you. The key word is 'reasonable'—the force you use must be proportional to the threat you face. Most states recognize a 'duty to retreat' in some situations, meaning you must try to escape if safely possible before using force. Some states have 'Stand Your Ground' laws that eliminate the duty to retreat and allow you to use force where you have a legal right to be.
Read the full Self-Defense entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.