Self Defense In Florida
Florida Statute 776.012 governs the justifiable use of force in Florida. Under the statute, a person is justified in using force (not deadly force) to the extent that the person reasonably believes that they must do so to defend himself, herself, or another against the other's imminent use of unlawful force.
Deadly force is justified if the person using it reasonably believes that it is necessary to prevent great bodily harm or death to himself, herself, or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
The key words in these definitions is reasonably. It is not reasonable to shoot someone who threatens you or even physically touches you. However, if that person threatens you with a gun or deadly weapon, you may be entitled to you equal force. The circumstances will dictate the action permissible. In a fight situation, if you reasonably believe you need to defend yourself, you may act to do so. Keep in mind that this does not entitle you to initiate physical contact with someone for insulting you but possibly for someone who approaches you with the apparent intent and ability to cause you physical harm.
Michael A. Atter
Former Prosecutor
Keith L. Maynard
Former Assistant Public Defender
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