Castle Doctrine States: Interactive Home-Defense Map
Castle doctrine refers to legal protections associated with defending yourself in your home. Depending on the jurisdiction, those protections may address retreat, create a presumption about an unlawful entry, or extend to other specified locations. The term does not describe one uniform nationwide rule.
Use Concealed Nation’s castle doctrine map to explore home-defense rules across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Select a state to read its protections, conditions, and sources. A map classification cannot determine whether force would be justified in a particular situation.
Know the rules.
Before you go.
Explore carry and self-defense laws, state by state. Check the conditions. Follow the sources.
Find a state
How to read these maps
Permit recognition and permitless carry are separate questions. A colored state is a summary of the recorded rule, not a determination that you can legally carry. Age, residency, permit type, prohibited places and other conditions may apply.
“Recognition reported” means the available source lists a selected permit as recognized. “Check permit conditions” means a permit class, issue date, age rule or other condition needs attention. “Not confirmed” means the available information does not establish an answer; it is not the same as a prohibition.
The constitutional / permitless carry view describes general provisions for adults. It does not determine personal eligibility or cover every limited carry exception.
Self-defense maps summarize recorded classifications. Statutes, case law, the location and the facts all matter. Read the state notes and primary sources.
How to use the castle doctrine map
- Select a state on the map or find it in the state search.
- Review whether the entry identifies an entry presumption, other home-defense protections, or a qualified rule.
- Read the covered locations, exceptions, and any details that still need confirmation.
- Follow the source links and check the review dates before relying on a summary.
Three questions behind castle doctrine laws
Is there a duty to retreat in the home?
A home-defense rule may remove a retreat requirement in specified circumstances. That answers a question about retreat; the applicable standards for using force still matter. For example, New York Penal Law §35.15 includes a dwelling exception to its retreat requirement for a person who is not the initial aggressor.
Does the law create an entry presumption?
Some laws establish a presumption about a defender’s fear when specified entry conditions are met. That presumption has defined requirements and exceptions. It is different from a rule simply removing a duty to retreat.
Florida Statutes §776.013, for example, addresses unlawful, forcible entry and lists exceptions involving lawful occupants, certain custody situations, criminal activity, and law enforcement. Read the complete rule before assuming a presumption applies.
Which locations and people does the rule cover?
Check the law’s definitions of a dwelling, residence, vehicle, or other covered location. Do not assume a protection for a home also covers a yard, driveway, unoccupied vehicle, business, or place of worship. The rights of other occupants and the circumstances of an entry may also affect the analysis.
Why the map goes beyond yes or no
Home-defense laws can provide different kinds of protection. One state entry may describe an entry presumption; another may describe a retreat exception or a rule shaped by court decisions. The map separates those concepts so you can review what a protection actually covers.
A qualified result means the conditions or remaining questions need close attention. It does not mean the state has no right of self-defense in the home.
Castle doctrine FAQ
Does castle doctrine allow deadly force against anyone who enters my home?
No. Entry alone does not establish that deadly force is lawful. The applicable legal standards, the circumstances of the entry, and any statutory exceptions must be considered.
Does castle doctrine apply to a vehicle or business?
Some provisions cover locations beyond a home, but their definitions and conditions vary. Review the selected state’s sources for the exact location involved. Do not treat every occupied place as a dwelling.
Is castle doctrine the same as stand your ground?
Castle doctrine focuses on protections associated with the home and any other locations specified by law. Stand your ground generally concerns the duty to retreat, including in public. A state can treat those situations differently.
Does castle doctrine guarantee immunity from prosecution or a lawsuit?
No. A home-defense classification does not establish immunity for a particular incident. Any criminal or civil immunity has its own legal requirements. Review that question separately from retreat rules and entry presumptions.
How do I know when a state’s information was reviewed?
Check the map’s information-update date, source-review dates, and review coverage, along with the selected state’s notes. An update date does not mean every home-defense question or later court decision has been fully verified.
Explore related maps
Browse all concealed carry maps and resources.
Report a correction
If you find an outdated rule or a missing detail, contact Concealed Nation with the state, the issue, and a link to an official source. Including the effective date helps us evaluate the change.
General information, not legal advice. Laws and court orders can change. Confirm the rules with current official sources and consult a qualified attorney about your circumstances.