No Kings protests coming across Florida, in Tallahassee at old Capitol

Staff reports

Tallahassee Democrat

Oct. 16, 2025, 5:06 a.m. ET

Over 2,100 "No Kings Day" protests are planned nationwide for October 18 to challenge President Donald Trump.
Organizers cite the president's "violent authoritarian attacks" and the militarization of U.S. cities as reasons for the demonstrations.
A protest in Tallahassee is scheduled to take place outside the Historic Capitol and is organized by Indivisible Tallahassee.

More No Kings Day protests are scheduled for Oct. 18, with over 2,100 protests planned nationwide, including one in Tallahassee outside the Historic Capitol.

Organizers say the No Kings events will challenge President Donald Trump as he escalates "his violent authoritarian attacks on our freedoms," citing the militarization of United States cities like Chicago and the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

"No Kings Day is about claiming what we’ve already built. Working people built this country, not billionaires,” April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, said in a news release. “We’re protecting what we’ve built, and we’re building what’s next. Let’s go get it."

Thousands of No Kings protests took place June 14 nationwide, coinciding with Flag Day, Trump's 79th birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebration and military parade in Washington, D.C.

What is No Kings Day?

In Tallahassee, there have been three No Kings protests that have drawn thousands to the historic Capitol since January.

"The world saw the power of the people, and President Trump’s attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power," No Kings said on its website. "Now, he’s doubling down — sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle."

"This isn’t just politics. It’s democracy versus dictatorship. And together, we’re choosing democracy."

Here's where the No Kings Protest will take place in Tallahassee.

Tallahassee No Kings protest at a glance

Location: Old Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St, Tallahassee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Organizer: Indivisible Tallahassee
Instructions: Bring signs, friends, and your voice; commit to nonviolence and watching out for one another; share widely and help build the crowd.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Message from the organizer: “A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

Past protests in Tallahassee

When protesting, know your rights

According to the ACLU of Florida, the First Amendment generally prohibits restrictions based on speech content; however, the U.S. Constitution doesn't completely protect all types of speech in every circumstance.

Threatening someone with violence is not protected, and government officials can place "reasonable" restrictions on the time, place and manner.

Your rights are strongest in "traditional public forms" such as streets, sidewalks and parks, but you can be asked to disperse if you are blocking cars or pedestrians. You may also protest at government buildings as long as you don't block access to them or interfere with business there.

What are Florida laws regarding protests?

Florida "does not prohibit constitutionally protected activity, such as a peaceful protest," according to Florida statutes. That said, the state does have an "anti-riot" act, passed in 2021:

Protesters are not permitted to willfully obstruct the "free, convenient, and normal use" of any public street, highway, or road.
Gatherings of three or more people to commit a break of the peace or commit unlawful acts are considered unlawful assemblies, a second-degree misdemeanor.
Knowingly protesting within 500 feet of a residence, cemetery, funeral home, house of worship, or other location when a funeral or burial has just occurred, will occur soon, or is occurring is a first-degree midemeanor.
A riot is defined as a violent public disturbance involving three or more people acting to assist each other in violent and disorderly conduct. It is a third-degree felony.
Aggravated rioting, a second-degree felony, is a riot consisting of 25 or more people where great bodily harm or property damage is caused, someone displays or uses a deadly weapon, or blocks safe movement of a vehicle by force or threat of force.
Inciting a riot is a third-degree felony. Aggravated inciting a riot, a second-degree felony, occurs if the suspect incites a riot resulting in great bodily harm to a non-participant, property damage in excess of $5,000, or supplies a deadly weapon to another person or teaches them how to prepare one for use in a riot.
Committing assault in furtherance of a riot is a first-degree misdemeanor; an aggravated assault is a third-degree felony. Burglary during a riot is a first-degree felony.
Any group of three or more who act with common intent to use force or threaten to in order to compel someone else into changing a personal viewpoint against their will commits "mob intimidation," a first-degree misdemeanor.
Battery against a law enforcement officer in a riot means a minimum term of six months in jail.
Defacing or damaging a memorial or historical property worth more than $200 is a third-degree felony. Destroying one is a second-degree felony.
Defendants who cause personal injury, wrongful death or property damage to protesters in a riot may claim self-defense.

Where can I find a No Kings protest near me in Florida?

According to the No Kings website, more than 80 protests (including more than one in some cities) are planned across Florida as of Oct. 14. You can see the full list here.

Who else is sponsoring the event?

Indivisible Tallahassee says it is hosting the event with the following co-sponsors:

Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
FSU College Democrats
League of Women Voters
People Power for Florida
Rising Voices Collective
Tallahassee Community Area Response Equipo (TCARE)
Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance (TIRA)
Tallahassee National Organization for Women (NOW)

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