A political dispute has erupted in Florida after Governor Ron DeSantis made statements indicating that drivers who feel threatened by protesters obstructing roadways may take actions to defend themselves—even if it leads to injuries. His remarks have sparked widespread concern among legal professionals, advocacy organizations, and politicians nationwide.
Governor’s Remarks
On June 11, 2025, during an appearance on The Rubin Report, DeSantis referenced Florida’s HB1 legislation, enacted in 2021, which includes rules related to public protests and road safety.
“If your vehicle is surrounded and you believe your life is in danger, you have the right to move your car—even if someone gets hurt,” DeSantis said, citing the law’s self-defense provisions for drivers caught in potentially hazardous crowd situations.
While HB1 does grant civil immunity in certain cases where drivers are fleeing a riot and genuinely fear for their safety, legal experts quickly clarified that the law does not offer unlimited protection. Drivers could still face criminal charges, such as reckless driving or assault, if their actions are deemed disproportionate or unjustifiable.
