What Drivers in Florida Need to Know Before June 14, 2025

With the “No Kings” protest scheduled to begin on June 14, 2025, across multiple cities in Florida, tensions are already rising—and not just among demonstrators. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has reignited national controversy by declaring that drivers who feel threatened by protestors blocking roads have the right to flee, even if that means hitting someone.

I want to be very clear with anyone reading this ahead of the protest: while the governor’s statement may sound like a green light, the law is far more complicated—and far less forgiving.

If you end up in a situation on June 14 where protestors are in the roadway, your legal rights will depend on what happens second by second. A claim of self-defense or necessity could apply, but it’s not automatic. You may still be arrested, especially if someone is injured or killed, and even more so if video footage makes it onto the internet before your attorney has a chance to speak on your behalf.

Let’s break this down.

What Governor DeSantis Said—And What the Law Actually Allows

The Governor told “The Rubin Report” that if protestors surround your car and you feel threatened, “you have a right to flee for your safety.” That may sound empowering, but here’s the catch: the legal determination of whether you were justified in using your vehicle to escape will be based on whether a prosecutor—or a jury—believes you acted reasonably under Florida Statutes § 776.012.

That statute says:

“A person is justified in using, or threatening to use, force… when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself… against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force.”

The keyword here is "reasonable." And what’s reasonable to you in a high-stress moment may not look the same to police or prosecutors watching your dashcam footage afterward.

The Legal Danger Ahead of June 14: What Protest-Related Charges Could Arise

During events like the “No Kings” protest—especially if roads are blocked and confrontations escalate—drivers may be tempted to inch forward or try to force their way through. If that results in an injury, you could be facing charges like:

  • Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (Florida Statutes § 784.045)

  • Vehicular Homicide (Florida Statutes § 782.071)

  • Reckless Driving (Florida Statutes § 316.192)

These are serious offenses with long-term consequences, including possible prison time. Even if you’re ultimately acquitted, being arrested, booked, and publicly shamed online can derail your life for months or years.

Governor DeSantis may have intended to reassure drivers, but his statements don’t carry the weight of a courtroom defense. Police may still detain you. Prosecutors may still press charges. A judge will not dismiss your case simply because you quote the Governor.

What to Do If You’re Caught in a Protest on June 14

If you are driving and encounter the “No Kings” protest on June 14, here’s what I tell my clients:

  • Do not escalate the situation by yelling or getting out of your vehicle.

  • Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked.

  • Record video or audio if it’s safe to do so, as this can become valuable evidence.

  • If you feel physically threatened and truly have no safe exit, move slowly and deliberately—do not accelerate or take abrupt action unless it is a clear life-or-death situation.

  • If someone is injured, call 911 immediately and do not flee the scene.

  • Most importantly: Do not speak to police until you’ve spoken with a defense attorney.

A political quote won’t protect you in court. But fast legal action from a private defense lawyer might. If you’re arrested or under investigation following the protest, I strongly encourage you to contact me before you say a word to law enforcement.

Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 For Your FREE Consultation

Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense. We are available 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for your FREE consultation. We have 30 office locations in Florida and serve all counties in Florida.