Court Opinions

State Laws

US Code

US Constitution

Florida Crimes Code Section 776.012 - Justifiable Use Of Force - Use of force in defense of person.

Legal Research Home > Florida Lawyer > Crimes > Florida Crimes Code Section 776.012 - Justifiable Use Of Force - Use of force in defense of person.

Title XLVI   CRIMES

Chapter 776   JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE

776.012  Use of force in defense of person.--A person is justified in using 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. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if:

(1)  He or she reasonably believes that 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; or

(2)  Under those circumstances permitted pursuant to s. 776.013.

History.--s. 13, ch. 74-383; s. 1188, ch. 97-102; s. 2, ch. 2005-27.

Last modified: November 21, 2006