Stand Your Ground in Florida
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Florida has a broad stand-your-ground law allowing force without duty to retreat anywhere you have a legal right to be.
How Florida treats Stand Your Ground
Florida Statute § 776.013 permits you to use force, including deadly force, to defend yourself without retreating if you are in a place where you have a lawful right to be and reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or a felony. The law applies in your home, vehicle, and public spaces. Florida also provides civil and criminal immunity from prosecution if the use of force is legally justified. This is one of the broadest stand-your-ground statutes in the nation.
The general definition of Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Stand your ground laws permit a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against a threat without first trying to escape or avoid the danger. These laws eliminate the traditional legal duty to retreat before using force. They apply in places where a person has a legal right to be, such as their home, workplace, or public spaces. Stand your ground laws are controversial because they expand when people can legally use deadly force, and they vary significantly by state.
Read the full Stand Your Ground 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.