Now if Floridians threaten to use a gun, or even fire a warning shot, they could avoid criminal prosecution under a law signed by Governor Rick Scott Friday.
The bill was partially inspired by a Jacksonville woman who was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison after firing a shot near her estranged husband.
Marissa Alexander tried to use the stand your ground defense, but a judge rejected her claim.
She was sentenced under Florida's "10-20-Life" law, which requires mandatory sentences for using a gun.
The new law, however, would allow for exceptions, such as instances of threatened use of force that would not fall under the "10-20-Life" rule.
Alexander's conviction and sentence were overturned last fall. She will have a new trial later this year.