Is there a Duty to Retreat When Being Attacked in Jacksonville, Florida?

As a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer, I am often asked if a person has a duty to retreat when confronted with a violent situation. The best advice I can give is to advise the person to leave any confrontation if possible. The results and consequences of violence are never worth it. In summary, avoid having to use any kind of force. However, the Florida Castle Doctrine (also referred to as the Florida Stand Your Ground or Self-Defense Law) address self-defense situations. Florida Statute Section 776.013 states:

“A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and 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 or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.”