Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is once again making headlines, this time for stating that drivers who feel threatened by protesters blocking the road may legally drive through the crowd to protect themselves. Speaking on the Rubin Report podcast, DeSantis said, “If you are 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… if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you.” NBC 6 South Florida’s Steve Litz covered the comments and noted the timing, just before the national “No Kings” protests planned for June 14, which are expected to include Florida.
This is not a new issue for DeSantis. Back in 2021, he pushed through Florida’s “Combatting Public Disorder” law, often called the “anti-riot” law, which strengthened penalties for protesters engaging in violence or blocking traffic. His latest comments make clear that under Florida law, drivers who feel threatened have rights, too.
What the Law Actually Says
While social media blew up with claims that Florida had given drivers a “green light” to run over protesters, WLRN and PolitiFact Florida provided a more measured breakdown of what the law does and doesn’t say. As reported by WLRN, the 2021 law gives drivers the ability to present an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits, such as those filed over injuries or property damage stemming from a riot. But that’s only part of the picture.
The law does not shield drivers from criminal charges if prosecutors believe their actions were reckless or unjustified. According to former Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg, “A driver who injures or kills someone who was blocking the streets can still be arrested and prosecuted for aggravated battery, manslaughter, or murder.” So, while the law strengthens a driver’s legal footing, it doesn’t give them complete immunity.
Stand Your Ground, Now in the Driver’s Seat
Much of the legal protection for Florida drivers comes not just from the anti-riot law but from the state’s long-standing “Stand Your Ground” statute. As Harvard’s Caroline Light told WLRN, drivers could invoke this law if they reasonably believed they were in imminent danger, even before their case goes to trial. This makes it less likely that prosecutors will bring charges in the first place.
Howard Gatch of the Hegshot87 YouTube channel praised this shift, stating that Florida is taking “Stand Your Ground to a whole new level.” In his breakdown video, he called the law a clear deterrent to violent mobs, especially for citizens who find themselves surrounded and frightened inside their cars. “You don’t have to be a sitting duck,” Gatch explained. “Florida says your car is an extension of your home – you can use your gas pedal if needed.”
From Protest to Riot: The Legal Divide
DeSantis and his supporters are careful to draw a line between peaceful protests and riots. As covered by Steve Litz, the governor emphasized that his comments target only violent behavior, not lawful First Amendment activity. “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,” he reiterated.
That distinction matters. As WLRN reports, Florida law specifically prohibits obstructing roadways and threatening bystanders – behavior that often crosses the line from protest to riot. Still, critics warn that peaceful protesters may be unfairly labeled as rioters if things escalate, leading to harsher penalties than warranted.
The “No Kings” Protest Context
This entire discussion comes just ahead of the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations. Organized by the 50501 Movement, the protests are designed to push back against what they see as authoritarian tendencies in President Trump’s second term. The protests are scheduled for June 14, which also happens to be Trump’s birthday and Flag Day, as well as the Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, D.C.
Michelle Sylvester of the Palm Beach Indivisibles told NBC 6 that the demonstrations are meant to be peaceful. “If we are encountered with pro-Trump antagonists, we have de-escalators that will attempt to separate and not pay attention to these escalators,” she said. But DeSantis’ message makes it clear: if protests in Florida turn violent, drivers have the right to defend themselves, using their vehicle if necessary.
Sheriff Echoes Governor’s Warnings
DeSantis isn’t the only Florida official sending warnings to would-be rioters. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey echoed the sentiment, stating bluntly: “If you try to mob rule a car in Brevard County, gathering around it, refusing to let the driver leave in our county, you are most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street.”
Howard Gatch noted that many sheriffs across Florida are now taking a similar hardline stance. He praised law enforcement for finally recognizing how quickly peaceful protests can turn into violent chaos. “Since 2020, there have been hundreds of documented cases where people were beaten or pulled from their vehicles,” he said. “Florida is just making it clear: not here.”
Civil Suits Still Possible – But Harder to Win
According to WLRN’s fact-checking team, while the law gives civil defense tools to drivers, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of being sued. A protester who is injured can still file a lawsuit. The driver then has to argue in court that the injured person was part of a riot, and that the force used was necessary for escape or self-defense.
However, the burden of proof has shifted. Gatch noted that in many other states, drivers are automatically considered liable if someone gets hurt. “In Florida, the law says that’s not good enough. If you were trying to drag me out of my car, I have a right to protect myself – and I shouldn’t lose everything in court because of it.”
Public Reactions Divide Along Political Lines
The national reaction to DeSantis’ remarks has been sharply divided. As WLRN reported, viral posts on X and TikTok accused the governor of giving Floridians a “green light to run over protesters.” But defenders argue that DeSantis is simply clarifying what lawful self-defense looks like in a dangerous scenario.
Some critics warn that the comments will embolden people to act recklessly. Others, like Howard Gatch, see it differently: “This sends a message to agitators – if you want to block a Florida highway and bang on someone’s windows, you’d better think twice.”
Legal Nuance Often Ignored Online
Steve Litz’s reporting on NBC 6 emphasized that DeSantis’ statement doesn’t nullify the law’s nuance. Miami defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh explained, “You still have an obligation to watch where you’re driving. The right to use deadly force only applies when you reasonably fear death or great bodily harm.”
So while drivers do have rights, the bar remains high. If a protester is simply standing near the car with a sign, and the driver plows through without provocation, that could easily result in a criminal charge. It’s not a blank check, but it is a clearer rulebook than what many states currently offer.
Fear Isn’t Just Hypothetical
What makes this law and DeSantis’ position so compelling is the reality that these kinds of incidents do happen. As Gatch points out, dozens of people have been attacked in their vehicles since 2020. Footage from riots in Seattle, Minneapolis, and even Florida shows how quickly a crowd can become a threat.
And here’s the part that often gets ignored: if you’re the one trapped in that car, with people beating on your windows, how long are you supposed to wait before defending yourself? The Florida law doesn’t invite chaos – it sets expectations and boundaries. Protesters have rights. So do drivers.
A State Making Its Boundaries Clear
Florida has now drawn a hard line: peaceful protests are welcome, but riots that threaten lives will not be tolerated. Whether you agree with Governor DeSantis or not, his message is loud and unambiguous.
As Gatch put it, “If you’re going to act like a mob, don’t be surprised if someone defends themselves. That’s Florida’s stance now. And it might just keep people safer – on both sides.”
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.