Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey warned that "peaceful protests are part of our democracy, but the key word in that is 'peaceful.'"

The law does not bar such a driver from being criminally prosecuted, though their defense could be bolstered by Florida’s “stand your ground” law.

More than a dozen demonstrations are planned across major Central Florida cities, with at least one organized protest planned in Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola and Brevard counties. According to organizers, a protest scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. outside Orlando City Hall is expected to draw more than 1,000 people.

A rumor that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said drivers are allowed to run over protesters with their cars if they feel threatened spread in June 2025 as debate raged over nationwide protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at the behest of President Donald Trump's administration.

As a military parade rolls through Washington, DC, on Saturday – President Donald Trump’s birthday – millions of Americans are expected to protest in what organizers predict will be the strongest display of opposition to Trump’s administration since he took office in January.