Gov. Rick Scott has announced a task force on citizen safety and protection headed by Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll and Rev. R.B. Holmes to take a closer look at Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law.
"I am a firm supporter of the second amendment, I also want to make sure that we do not rush to conclusions about the Stand Your Ground law or any other laws in our state," said Gov. Scott.
The governor is calling for a new task force to look into the law, which protects people from prosecution if they use lethal force if they had a reasonable fear that their life was in danger.
The announcement is in direct response to the controversy surrounding the case of George Zimmerman, who said he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February. Zimmerman has since been charged with second-degree murder.
The governor refused to say whether Florida should repeal the Stand Your Ground law, which was signed in 2005 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush.
Scott has said, however, that he thinks current laws have helped reduce crime.
Lt. Governor Carroll said the task force will seek citizens' participation and input, and include expert panels.
Carroll announced the creation of a website, www.flgov.com/citizensafety, for people to visit for information regarding the task force.
Among the members of the task force -- Former State Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who sponsored the bill originally, State Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, State Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, and State Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando.
The task force's first meeting will be Tuesday, May 1 in Tallahassee, though meetings are planned around the state. Carroll said the first meeting will be used to develop a mission statement and organize a calendar.
Vice Chair Rev. R.B. Holmes, who is on the task force, said "Again, Florida is leading the way to shine light on a segment of the law that needs to be reviewed for the betterment of all citizens."
The goal of the task force is to thoroughly review Florida safety laws.