Governor Jeb Bush Signs Florida’s New Self Defense law

In a recent ceremony at the state capitol, Gov. Jeb Bush signed Florida’s "Castle Doctrine" into law. Sponsored by Senator Durell Peaden and Representative Dennis Baxley, the bill (SB-436) unanimously passed the Senate and overwhelmingly passed in the House, 94-20. Prior to signing the bill, supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Gov.

Jeb Bush stated: "It’s a good, commonsense, anti-crime issue." The "Castle Doctrine" simply says that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle, or your place of business, you may assume he is there to do bodily harm and you can use any force against him. It also removes the "duty to retreat" if you are attacked in any place you have a right to be. Furthermore, this law provides protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.

Past National Rifle Association (NRA) president and current Executive Director of Unified Sportsmen of Florida, Marion P. Hammer, stated: "Existing law is on the side of the criminal. The new law is on the side of the law-abiding victim." She continued, "To suggest that you can’t defend yourself against a rapist who’s trying to drag you into an alley or against a carjacker who’s trying to drag you out of your car is nonsense.

The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse is important, no matter where you are." Hammer concluded by saying: "I want to thank Governor Bush and the bill sponsors, Sen. Peaden and Rep. Baxley, for supporting this vital measure. This law is about affirming that your home is your castle and, in Florida, you have a right to be absolutely safe inside its walls." As your faithful editor, I don’t mean to gloat, but our governor and our state legislature have made me proud to be a Floridian.