http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=View%20Statutes&Submenu=1&Tab=statutesTitle XLVI
CRIMES
Chapter 776
JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE
776.012 Use of force in defense of person.--A person is justified in the use of force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against such other's imminent use of unlawful force. However, the person is justified in the use of deadly force only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
History.--s. 13, ch. 74-383; s. 1188, ch. 97-102.
Title XLVI
CRIMES
Chapter 776
JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE
776.031 Use of force in defense of others.--A person is justified in the use of force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to prevent or terminate such other's trespass on, or other tortious or criminal interference with, either real property other than a dwelling or personal property, lawfully in his or her possession or in the possession of another who is a member of his or her immediate family or household or of a person whose property he or she has a legal duty to protect. However, the person is justified in the use of deadly force only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
History.--s. 13, ch. 74-383; s. 1189, ch. 97-102.
Title XLVI
Chapter 776
JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE
776.08 Forcible felony.--"Forcible felony" means treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual.
History.--s. 13, ch. 74-383; s. 4, ch. 75-298; s. 289, ch. 79-400; s. 5, ch. 93-212; s. 10, ch. 95-195.
So, you can use force to prevent a forceable felony. A forceable felony can be robbery; burglary; aggravated assault; aggravated battery...etc etc etc.
Now, after the suspect turns and runs with the victims property and attempts to escape, are you allowed to follow the suspect and detain them until police arrive by use of force?
Title XLVI
CRIMES
Chapter 776
JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE
776.07 Use of force to prevent escape.--
(1) A law enforcement officer or other person who has an arrested person in his or her custody is justified in the use of any force which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary to prevent the escape of the arrested person from custody.
(2) A correctional officer or other law enforcement officer is justified in the use of force, including deadly force, which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary to prevent the escape from a penal institution of a person whom the officer reasonably believes to be lawfully detained in such institution under sentence for an offense or awaiting trial or commitment for an offense.
History.--s. 13, ch. 74-383; s. 7, ch. 95-283; s. 1193, ch. 97-102.
Perhaps one could argue that the victim was placing the suspect under "arrest" until the arrival of the police. Florida has no provisions for a 'citizens arrest' and the only statues that talk about detentions are reference to corrections officers, law enforcement officers, and retail merchants. Except the statute refers to "other persons". So who and what are "other persons" and when do they have the ability to 'arrest' someone for a reasonable time period before they transfer the detainee to law enforcement?