Nearly two-thirds of Florida voters support the state's 7-year-old "Stand Your Ground" law, but they are closely divided on whether George Zimmerman was justifiably defending himself when he killed Trayvon Martin, a new poll shows.

The survey, conducted by TheMiami Herald, Tampa Bay Times and Bay News 9, found that almost 65% of likely voters believe no changes are necessary to the law, which allows use of deadly force if people believe they are in grave danger. The poll also found that 18% want the law repealed and 16% think it should be modified.

Support is strongest in northern Florida and the Panhandle (71%) and weakest in the southwest (55%), where repeal enjoys its biggest backing (27%).

A state task force is considering rewriting the law.

When it comes to Zimmerman, the poll found overall that 44% believe he was "legitimately defending himself under 'Stand Your Ground,'" 40% believe he was not, and 16% were not sure.

Blacks and residents of South Florida are the most likely to believe that Zimmerman was not justified in shooting Martin in late February during an encounter in Sanford, near Orlando.

Hispanics (52%) and whites (50%) were the most likely to say they felt that Zimmerman had acted in self-defense. Zimmerman, 28, is mixed Hispanic and Caucasian; Trayvon, 17, was black.

In Central Florida, where the killing occurred, the poll found 65% support keeping the law as is, 18% want it changed and 16% want it repealed. Regarding Zimmerman, voters were evenly divided at 38% on whether he was legitimately defending himself, with 24% unsure.

Zimmerman is free on bond awaiting trial on a charge of second-degree murder.

The telephone poll of 800 registered voters had a margin of error of +/-3.5 percentage points.