 I am sure everyone is familiar with the saying, "Don"t mess with TX" but now FL has to develop a new catchy phrase. Our legislation actually got it right with this one. Today the Florida Legislature overwhelmingly (94-20) passed a bill that removes the requirement that a person first attempt to retreat before using deadly force to protect themselves outside of their home, basically extending the Castle Doctrine to apply outiside of the proverbial castle. The "Stand Your Ground Bill," (HB 249 CS 2005) provides: A person, not engaged in an unlawful activity, who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so, to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself, herself, or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. (not sure how to add HTML emphasis) I can see some tractor funds and free training to those who need it. I am NRA certified firearms and defensive handgunning instructor. I just hope folks take some initiative to getting some training of how and when to deploy deadly force. This should remove potential litigation battles on use of deadly force. You can bet though the bunny huggers and others will be claiming Wild Wild West etc. The msg should be clear - Attention criminals! FL law is NO LONGER on your side! Our residents are NOT obligated to retreat.
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