Tourists warned about Florida's "shoot first" law

Florida's "shoot first" law goes into effect on Saturday. Soon, Floridians won't have to flee before using deadly force in self-defense.

Some opponents of the law want to make sure that tourists know exactly what they're getting into.

"It's a particular risk faced by travelers coming to Florida for a vacation because they have no idea it's going to be the law of the land," said Peter Hamm, communications director of the Washington, D.C.-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "If they get into a road rage argument, the other person may feel he has the right to use deadly force."

In a flier the group plans to pass out at Miami International Airport and possibly Orlando International Airport, tourists will be admonished to take precautions that include: "Do not argue unnecessarily with local people." Newspapers ads, billboards and the Internet will also be used to spread the word. [Newsday]

"Do not argue unecessarily with local people." Damn. They're stealing New York's core brand idea. But for a good cause.

Comments

[superted]

Maybe avis can capitailise on this new law by throwing in a family pack of bullet proof jackets. the idea that someone can shoot someone else on the basis of feeling threatened is farcical. As much as I have enjoyed our trips to Florida this new law is seriously off putting. Is crime really that bad in Florida that it need this law? Any place that feels it needs this type of legislation to make it citizens feel safe rings alarm bells with me. if crime is at a 34 year low as jed put it what’s the need for this law?. I suspect it will do the same with other visitors who come from countries where carrying any type of weapon is illegal never mind being allowed to use it.

[Tabor Kelly]

If anyone is interested, the actual laws can be read here (http://www.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0776/ch0776.htm). In order to use deadly force you MUST either be stopping a forcible felony (treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual) OR "believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm."

Everything else is media spin. Seriously, read the laws. The pertainant laws are 766.012, 766.013, and 766.031. 776.08 defines "Forcible felony."

[Just a Guy]

It is amazing how a so called civilize society could pass such a bill, all this proves is that the NRA controls another Bush.

[The Kaishaku]

"If we had laws like this in every state, Oh my, perhaps we would all be a little bit safer..."

Strange mind. I guess You had a real elite sniper training before you got a gun in your hands. Maybe, stressed by the realistic situation of someone with the will to kill you whatever the coast, you will shoot with accuracy, like a real marksman, without shaking a little. I hope I won't be the tourist just behind your target, you know, the one who catch the lost bullet with his teeth.

You are so sure of yourself, in a calm situation with many if, it's easy to say who is the good and who is the bad guy, and what i would do if and if and if again...But on the ground, and I know it well, even when you are prepared, you can do mistake. A man so sure of himself, is a bomb, that no one, even him, can say where or when it will blow up. I'm a swordman, and I know where is fantasm, or dreams, and just trying about to know where is thruth.

In a country during wartime, every body is weaponed, (with good guns, powerfull so accurate) and i guess, that's the less secure place ever, expect Florida for now, cause at least, in a wartime, you are allowed that the people in front of you are your ennemies.

"To be a real man, it's not to say that you can handle every situation. To know, it's first to know when you don't know."

PS: To the Author of the blog. I'm a not american, in a way, (cause who is not american for a part of him in this world) but I do love a spirit you have, like standing for freedom for all, whatever their minds (even this fucking neocons, poor you...must be difficult some day)

[R M Middleton]

Self-defence or no self-defence that is the question. Armed self-defence in the UK has been practically illegal since 1953. Then because the 'jobsworths' did not fulfil their moral responsibility handguns were outlawed in 1997. Has this lead to a safer UK? Decide for your self at http://www.students.stir.ac.uk/users/m/rmm011/web/guns1986.htm

[Alon Levy]

The chart you use for England and Wales indicates increased reporting, not increased crime. The British Crime Survey's chart shows that Britain's violent crime rate peaked in 1995.

[belledame222]

Yee-ha!

(and now, as so often happens, thinking of a South Park episode, you know, the hunting trip:

"It was comin' right for us!!"