FL H0193

County sheriffs and municipal police departments shall issue reasonable guidelines for neighborhood crime watch programs, prohibiting participants from confronting or attempting to apprehend suspected criminal activity except in circumstances where a reasonable person would be permitted or expected to assist another person.

Persons justified in using force under sections 776.012, 776.013, or 776.031 are immune from criminal prosecution and civil action by the person against whom force was used, unless that person is a law enforcement officer acting in official capacity who properly identified themselves.

"Criminal prosecution" is defined to include arresting, detaining in custody, and charging or prosecuting the defendant with probable cause.

Law enforcement agencies retain the right and duty to fully investigate the use of force upon which immunity may be claimed and related events.

Aggressors attempting to commit or escaping after committing a forcible felony cannot use self-defense justification or immunity, and those who initially provoke force cannot claim justification unless the force is so great they reasonably believe they face imminent death or great bodily harm and have exhausted escape options, or they withdraw in good faith and the assailant continues the force.

Effective date: October 1, 2014.