The law itself allows a person who claims self-defense the right to use deadly force, however what is different about this particular law, is that it states that a person does not have to retreat even if it would be reasonable to do so. Most self-defense laws allow deadly force only as a last resort, the Florida law allows a person to use deadly force even if there is another option.
When Trayvon was gunned down by 28 year old George Zimmerman, he was carrying Skittles and a can of iced tea. Zimmerman called 911 to complain about a "hooded, suspicious looking" person checking out the houses. Zimmerman, who is part of the neighborhood watch, has put in 46 calls to 911 in the past 10 months. Zimmerman claims that Trayvon threatened his life and he shot him in self-defense. Because of his claims of self-defense and the way the law is written, Police say they have no cause to arrest Zimmerman.
Trayvon however was on his phone with his girlfriend, and she reports that Trayvon said that a strange man was following him and he was walking fast to "get out of there."... His girlfriend reports that far from being in danger, Zimmerman confronted Trayvon... the 911 call records someone pleading for his life... Trayvon's family claims it's Trayvon... Zimmerman says it is him...
In total, there are 21 states with laws similar to the Florida law...