Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivers a stark warning to violent protestors: drivers have the right to flee for safety if threatened, even if it means hitting those who block roadways.
Key Takeaways
- DeSantis declared that drivers in Florida won’t be held liable if they hit protesters blocking roads when feeling threatened for their safety
- Florida maintains a zero-tolerance policy for blocking roadways, with law enforcement instructed to quickly disperse such gatherings
- The Governor distinguishes between protected peaceful protests and illegal rioting or civil unrest that threatens public safety
- DeSantis contrasted Florida’s strict approach with California’s more lenient policies, which he claims empower those causing unrest
- Florida’s “Combating Public Disorder Act” includes new criminal offenses and increased penalties for violent or disorderly assemblies
Florida’s Stand Against Roadway Blockades
Governor Ron DeSantis has made Florida’s position crystal clear regarding protesters who block roadways: there will be consequences. As nationwide protests against ICE raids intensified, DeSantis emphasized that while Floridians have constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, blocking roads crosses a line that won’t be tolerated in the Sunshine State. The governor’s comments came during an appearance on Dave Rubin’s conservative talk show, where he addressed the stark differences between Florida’s approach to civil unrest and that of states like California, New York, and Illinois, particularly in response to immigration enforcement protests.
“If you’re driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety, and so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you. You don’t have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets,” DeSantis stated firmly during his interview.
Self-Defense Rights for Floridians
DeSantis has been unequivocal about Floridians’ right to protect themselves when threatened. “You have a right to defend yourself in Florida,” the governor declared, standing firm on the state’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens over those creating civil disturbances. His statements came amid concerns about violent protests spreading across major U.S. cities, particularly after President Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to help restore order. DeSantis pointed to instances where Florida law enforcement quickly dispersed demonstrations before they could escalate into the chaos seen in other states.
“In terms of the unrest, Florida’s policy is very simple: You have every right to exercise your First Amendment rights to protest and demonstrate. The minute you cross that line, you are going to be met with serious pushback, and you will be held accountable. We do not tolerate rioting; we do not tolerate civil unrest; we do not tolerate looting; we do not tolerate attacks on law enforcement,” said Ron DeSantis, outlining Florida’s clear boundaries between free speech and lawlessness.
Florida vs. California: Contrasting Approaches
The governor didn’t hesitate to contrast Florida’s approach with what he perceives as California’s more permissive policies toward civil disorder. DeSantis criticized California’s sanctuary state status, suggesting that years of providing drivers’ licenses, in-state tuition, and healthcare to illegal immigrants while impeding ICE operations has fostered a sense of entitlement and lawlessness. He specifically called out California’s leadership for what he sees as enabling rather than controlling unrest, creating an environment where protesters believe federal laws don’t apply to them.
“And so I know they’re planning stuff for all over the country; they tried to do a little protest in Florida, and they actually just held signs, which is fine, but that’s as far as it goes here. I think the problem in places like California is the authorities at both the local and state level; they’re effectively siding with the people that are causing the unrest,” Ron DeSantis remarked, highlighting the fundamental difference in governance approaches between the two states.
The “Combating Public Disorder Act” implemented under DeSantis’ leadership has given Florida authorities enhanced tools to address violent or disorderly assemblies, with increased penalties for those who cross the line from peaceful protest to destructive action. This law exemplifies the governor’s philosophy that public safety and order must take precedence, ensuring that Florida streets remain safe for all citizens going about their daily lives without interference from protesters blocking critical roadways or threatening drivers.
