Page 43 - Florida Concealed Carry Law

When You Can Use a Firearm
The most common question I receive is, “When am I allowed to use my firearm in self-defense?” This is a very difficult question to answer, but I will try my best. It’s important to understand that there are two types of force permitted under Florida law: deadly force and non-deadly force. Let’s take a look at what situations require the use of non-deadly force.
Using Non-Deadly Force
F.S. 776.012 (1) Use or threatened use of force in defense of a person.
A person is justified in using or threatening to use 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. A person who uses or threatens to use force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force.
Let’s pretend you're walking down the street and someone punches you in the face. This attacker doesn’t have a right to hit you and therefore is using unlawful force. This gives you the legal right to defend yourself with your fists, pepper spray, mace or taser. However, at a bird’s eye view, this situation does not give you the right to use deadly force.
Protecting Personal Property
F.S. 776.031 (1) A person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to prevent or terminate the other’s
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