Last updated November 2025
Florida is known for its expansive Stand Your Ground law, which gives people the right to defend themselves without retreating. But not every case of self-defense qualifies. Knowing when self-defense and Stand Your Ground apply in Florida is critical if you’ve been charged with a violent crime.
⚖️ Self-Defense in Florida
Under Florida Statute §776.012, a person may use force — including deadly force — if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent:
Imminent death or great bodily harm, or
The commission of a forcible felony.
Traditional self-defense laws required retreat if possible. Florida law removes this “duty to retreat” in many situations.
🚨 What Is Stand Your Ground?
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law expands self-defense by:
Allowing people to stand their ground anywhere they are lawfully present.
Providing immunity from prosecution and civil lawsuits if the law applies.
Allowing defendants to request a pretrial immunity hearing to dismiss charges before trial.
🔑 When It Applies
Stand Your Ground applies when:
You are lawfully present in the location.
You are not engaged in criminal activity.
You reasonably fear death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony.
⚠️ It does not apply if you were the aggressor, provoked the incident, or used unreasonable force.
🛡️ Defenses in Stand Your Ground Cases
Self-defense immunity hearing — A judge decides if the case should be dismissed.
Justifiable use of deadly force — Proving reasonable fear.
Challenging the aggressor role — Showing you did not provoke the incident.
Cross-examining witnesses — Exposing contradictions or exaggerations.
📍 Broward County Perspective
In Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County, Stand Your Ground cases are highly scrutinized. Local prosecutors aggressively challenge self-defense claims, but courts must follow Florida law on immunity.
👉 Learn more about our Violent Crimes Defense services.
🔑 Key Conditions for Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law to Apply
Q1: Does Florida’s Stand Your Ground law apply everywhere?
Yes, if you are lawfully present and not committing a crime.
Q2: Can I still be arrested if I claim self-defense?
Yes. Police may still arrest you, but your attorney can file a motion for immunity.
Q3: Do I have to prove self-defense in Florida?
No. Once raised, the burden shifts to the prosecution to disprove it.
Q4: Can Stand Your Ground apply in domestic violence cases?
Yes, depending on the facts, though prosecutors often challenge these claims.
Q5: What happens if the judge denies immunity?
The case proceeds to trial, where self-defense can still be argued to a jury.