FL S0448

Extends self-defense justifications under Florida law to include threatened use of force, applying the same legal protections as actual use of force in defense of persons and property.

Eliminates duty to retreat for persons lawfully using or threatening nondeadly force, and for those using or threatening deadly force if not engaged in criminal activity and lawfully present in the location.

Allows courts to decline imposing mandatory minimum sentences for aggravated assault convictions if the court finds in writing that the defendant had good faith belief the assault was justifiable under self-defense laws.

Creates new expunction eligibility for persons whose charges were dismissed or not filed based on lawful self-defense findings, requiring prosecutors and courts to document such findings in writing.

Requires state attorney or statewide prosecutor certifications of self-defense findings to allow Department of Law Enforcement to issue certificates of eligibility for expunction despite otherwise disqualifying factors.