Florida enacts law allowing meeting of "force with force"

With a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association at his side, Gov. Jeb Bush signed a law Tuesday to make it clear that people have a right to meet "force with force'' to defend themselves on the street.

The measure, which passed the Legislature overwhelmingly earlier this year, says that people who are under attack do not have to retreat before responding.

People already have that right in their homes. The bill, which takes effect Oct. 1, extends the right to public spaces, such as the street or a place of business.

Supporters said the measure brings Florida in line with a number of other states.

"To have to retreat ... defies common sense," Bush said.