Florida Self-Defense Lawyers
Fighting for Gun Owners in Orlando, Orange County & Statewide
For gun owners, understanding self-defense law is one of the most critical aspects of protecting both their rights and personal safety. A momentary threat or confrontation can quickly escalate into legal consequences if someone misuses force.
Florida law allows individuals to defend themselves and others, but the rules governing when and how force may be used are complex. Misunderstanding these laws can result in criminal charges, civil liability, or the loss of the right to carry a firearm.
Book a confidential consultation with a Florida self-defense attorney by contacting us online or at (321) 425-8961. We offer virtual appointments for your convenience and are available by phone. Hablamos español.
How We Protect Gun Owners Across Florida
We provide statewide guidance and defense for clients dealing with self-defense issues:
- Advising gun owners on lawful use of force and defensive strategies.
- Defending clients facing criminal charges after acting in self-defense.
- Representing clients in civil cases arising from defensive force incidents.
- Explaining how Florida law interacts with firearm rights to ensure compliance and protection.
Florida’s Self-Defense Laws
In Florida, you may use deadly force to defend yourself against an imminent threat, but the level of force must be reasonable and proportionate. Threats must be immediate, and the person posing the danger must be able to carry it out; future threats or empty threats do not justify defensive force.
A jury may evaluate whether your response was reasonable based on factors such as your age, sex, and physical condition. You are not required to retreat if you are not committing a crime and are in a place where you have a legal right to be.
Most of Florida’s firearm regulations are in Chapter 790 of the Florida Statutes, entitled Weapons and Firearms. Florida defines a firearm as any weapon that can expel a projectile by the use of an explosive, including the frame or receiver, any muffler or silencer, and machine guns.
Antique firearms are generally excluded unless they are used in a crime. See Florida Statute §790.001(6) for the full definition.
Florida law recognizes two categories of defensive force: non-deadly and deadly.
Non-Deadly Force
- Statute: §776.012(1)
- A person may use or threaten to use non-deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or another against the imminent use of unlawful force.
- The force used must be no more than necessary to stop the attack.
- There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself with non-deadly force.
Deadly Force
- Statute: §776.012(2)
- Deadly force may be used or threatened when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent immediate death or great bodily harm to themselves or another.
- There is no duty to retreat before using deadly force, provided you are not committing a crime and are in a location where you have a legal right to be.
Call (321) 425-8961 or connect with us online to discuss your case with one of our attorneys today.
Florida’s authority on gun law & self-defense
Our Client Testimonials
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“More than once the system has tried to get me and each time I was lucky to have David Katz and his legal team on my side. Every case had extremely positive outcomes.”- Michael D.
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