Fla. Stat. 776.012
Use or threatened use of force in defense of person

(1)

A person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force. A person who uses or threatens to use force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force.

(2)

A person is justified in using or threatening to use deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that using or threatening to use such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. A person who uses or threatens to use deadly force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground if the person using or threatening to use the deadly force is not engaged in a criminal activity and is in a place where he or she has a right to be.

Source: Section 776.012 — Use or threatened use of force in defense of person, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0776.­012 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

Current through Fall 2025

§ 776.012. Use or threatened use of force in defense of person's source at flsenate​.gov