Do I have a duty to retreat in Florida?
No. Florida removed the common-law duty to retreat, and that's the provision the "stand your ground" name refers to.
But the exemption is conditional, and both conditions matter.
Not engaged in criminal activity. A person committing an offense at the time loses the protection. This comes up more than people expect — possession of a controlled substance, carrying a firearm unlawfully, or trespassing at the time of the incident can all be argued to remove it.
In a place you have a right to be. Lawful presence. A trespasser doesn't qualify.
What the removal of retreat does *not* do is expand when force is justified. The underlying requirement is unchanged: a reasonable belief that force is necessary to defend against imminent unlawful force, and for deadly force, necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony.
So no duty to retreat, but every other element still has to be there.
No retreat required — but only if both conditions were true at that moment. ---
Talk to an Attorney — Free
An answer on a page isn't the same as advice about your case. Talk to an attorney who handles these matters on the Treasure Coast — free and confidential.