FL S0122

Requires county sheriffs and municipal police departments to issue reasonable guidelines for neighborhood crime watch programs, including prohibitions on patrol participants confronting or apprehending suspected wrongdoers except in circumstances where a reasonable person would be permitted to assist another.

Authorizes use of non-deadly force in defense of property and deadly force to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony, while establishing that persons using justified force have no duty to retreat.

Provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for persons using justified force, and allows courts to award attorney fees and court costs to defendants found immune; permits comparative fault application in civil cases where immunity is not established.

Restricts the aggressor defense by prohibiting its use for persons committing forcible felonies, provoking force, leaving safety to engage in conflict, or pursuing alleged trespassers after they have withdrawn; requires aggressors using deadly force to prove they exhausted reasonable means to avoid danger.

Creates a statewide database requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to collect and annually report to the Legislature all incidents involving alleged justifiable use of force claims, with law enforcement agencies required to submit monthly reports on all such claims.