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Stand Your Ground vs Castle Doctrine in Florida

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Florida has some of the broadest self-defense laws in the country, including both the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground provisions.

Castle Doctrine (§776.013): You have no duty to retreat and may use deadly force if someone unlawfully enters your home, vehicle, or occupied dwelling. There is a legal presumption that you reasonably feared imminent death or great bodily harm.

Stand Your Ground (§776.012): Unlike traditional self-defense law, Florida does not require you to retreat before using force in any place you have a right to be. You may use force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony.

If you claim self-defense under Stand Your Ground, you may request a pre-trial immunity hearing. If the judge rules in your favor, criminal charges are dismissed and you receive civil immunity. The burden of proof at this hearing is on the prosecution.