Category: Self Defense FAQ

Stand Your Ground in Florida

December 26, 2018

In 2005 Florida created the nation’s first “Stand your Ground Law.” The 2005 version of Florida’s Stand Your Ground Statute, which was found in §776.013(3) read: “A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty…

The Castle Doctrine in Florida

December 25, 2018

By David S. Katz The term “Castle Doctrine” does not appear in Florida law, however, the legal concept comes from the philosophy that every person is a King or Queen of his or her “castle.” As such, no king or queen is required to retreat before using force or deadly force against an intruder in…

How does Florida Law Define Force & Deadly Force?

December 24, 2018

By David S. Katz Force There is no specific definition of “force” in Florida’s “Justifiable Use of Force” chapter. (Florida Statutes §776.012(1)). Florida Standard Criminal Jury Instruction 3.6(g) defines non-deadly force as “force not likely to cause death or great bodily harm.” If we boil this definition down, force may be described as unwanted physical contact…