Florida Immunity Attorneys
Defending Gun Owners in Orlando, Orange County & Statewide
For responsible gun owners, the use of a firearm in self defense is often a last resort in a dangerous, high-stress situation. Even when you act lawfully to protect yourself or your family, you may face both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
Florida’s immunity laws provide powerful protection against these outcomes, but are not automatic. Understanding how immunity works and having experienced attorneys ready to fight for you can make the difference between walking free and facing years of legal battles.
Call (321) 425-8961 or contact Katz & Phillips online for a confidential case review with a Florida immunity lawyer. We offer virtual consultations for your convenience. Hablamos español.
Criminal Immunity
Under Florida Statute §776.032, a person who lawfully uses defensive force is immune from criminal prosecution. This protection covers arrest, detention, and prosecution, unless the force was used against a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of their duties.
That said, law enforcement may still investigate a self-defense incident. You cannot be arrested unless there is probable cause to believe your actions were unlawful. If arrested, you may request an immunity hearing before a judge.
Once you raise a valid claim of self-defense immunity, the burden shifts to the prosecution, which must prove by clear and convincing evidence that your use of force was unlawful. If they cannot meet this high standard, the judge must grant immunity and dismiss the case.
Civil Immunity
The same statute also shields gun owners from civil lawsuits. While anyone can still file a lawsuit, immunity can prevent the plaintiff from recovering damages and even require them to cover your legal expenses. Florida law directs judges to award attorney’s fees, court costs, lost income, and related expenses if you are found immune.
This protection is critical because it is increasingly common for criminals or their families to sue victims who defend themselves. While immunity offers a strong legal safeguard, it only applies after a court hearing where evidence must be presented and argued.
Katz & Phillips: Protecting Your Rights & Future
If you are ever forced to defend yourself with a firearm, the law may be on your side, but you will still need skilled legal counsel to assert your immunity and protect your future. At Katz & Phillips, we are committed to standing with Florida’s gun owners when it matters most.
Because every team member is also a gun owner and we are active in state and national gun rights organizations, we bring a unique perspective to these cases. Attorney Phillips further enhances our defense strategies with his NRA-certified firearms Instructor and Range Safety Officer credentials. This real-world knowledge of weapons and self-defense situations allows us to present your case with credibility and authority.
Our attorneys bring 44+ years of combined experience to our clients, which includes the time Founding Attorneys Phillips and Katz spent as former prosecutors. From the first moments after a self-defense incident to the final resolution of your case, we can fight for your freedom, rights, and peace of mind.
At Katz & Phillips, we know that immunity cases are often won or lost at the hearing stage. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling self-defense and firearm-related cases across Florida. We can build strong, evidence-backed arguments to show the court that you acted lawfully and are entitled to immunity from both criminal prosecution and civil liability.
Reach us online or at (321) 425-8961 for a confidential consultation with a Florida immunity attorney today.
Florida’s authority on gun law & self-defense
Our Client Testimonials
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“Mr. Ryan Katz, very knowledgeable on appellate case law. This guy will be well known. His knowledge is like something you see on television. I was very impressed with his ability to dig through case law and actually use it to represent me.”- Chan D.
Discover the complex and confusing gun laws of Florida explained in simple, easy-to-understand chapters. Written by the attorneys at The Firearm Firm, in plain English for everyone to understand, this book is a must-read for every gun owner. If you are going to be armed, you must be educated. Completely revised and updated containing all the newest laws and case decisions including Florida’s NEW permitless carry law, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. Learn what you need to know to stay legal. You are armed, now get educated with Florida Gun Law: Armed and Educated.
