FL S0562

Establishes statutory definitions for "deadly force," "imminent," and "totality of the circumstances" to guide law enforcement use of force decisions.

Authorizes law enforcement officers to use objectively reasonable force when making arrests to defend themselves or others from bodily harm, retaking escaped felons, or arresting fleeing felons.

Restricts the use of deadly force in civil actions to situations where the officer reasonably believed such force was necessary based on totality of circumstances to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious harm, or when the fleeing felon committed a crime involving infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm.

Prohibits law enforcement officers from using deadly force against a person when an objectively reasonable officer would believe the person does not pose an imminent threat of death or serious physical harm to the officer or others.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.