No Kings protests across Florida see thousands march against Trump: Live updates

• Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, will mark another round of the "No Kings" protests, the latest in a series of mass demonstrations since Trump took office.
• According to event organizers, "No Kings" demonstrations are meant as a celebration of free speech, the right to assemble and the First Amendment.
• About 2,500 "No Kings" protests are expected to happen nationwide, including more than 80 in Florida.

This story will be updated with live updates as the events develop throughout the day.

Today, millions of Americans frustrated with President Donald Trump and his administration's immigration crackdowns, ICE and National Guard deployments, on-again-off-again tariffs, and his perceived control over all three branches of the U.S. government are gathering again to protest in cities across the country.

Saturday, Oct. 18, marks another round of the "No Kings" protests, the latest in a series of mass demonstrations since President Donald Trump took office, in hundreds of big cities and small towns across the country. More than 80 are scheduled in his home state of Florida, and at least four are happening in Palm Beach County − including one 4 miles down the road from his private club.

After months away from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump returned there the night before the "No Kings" protests for an elite fundraiser: He was the keynote speaker at a $1 million-per-plate fundraiser for super PAC MAGA Inc. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Mar-a-Lago. 

According to a notice from the Federal Aviation Administration and reporting by the Palm Beach Daily News, a USA TODAY Network newspaper, Trump will be in Palm Beach through Sunday, Oct. 19.

USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network will provide live coverage of the "No King" anti-Trump administration protests.

Check back here for live updates from protests around Florida.

6:32 p.m.: 'No Kings Day' peaceful protests attract thousands in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast

With clanging cowbells, blasting car horns of support, and the occasional anti-Donald Trump chanting, around 3,000 people clustered in front of Daytona Beach City Hall and down the sidewalks Oct. 18 to protest much of what President Trump and his administration have done since the beginning of the year.

One woman was in a full Lady Liberty costume, another was dressed like a town crier from another century and a third donned a homemade Santa costume complete with makeshift white beard. Many carried signs, their messages ranging from "Nothing is more American than opposing a tyrant" to "Imagine all the people living life in peace," a quote from John Lennon's iconic song.

3:46 p.m.: Thousands turn out for 'No Kings' protests across Treasure Coast

With six planned No Kings Day protests throughout the Treasure Coast Oct. 18, more than any previous rally in the area, thousands of people lined streets in Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian and Port St. Lucie.

In Vero Beach thousands of protesters descended on State Road 60 at 58th Avenue, normally a busy shopping area, with signs, horns and shouts.

In Stuart, at least 1,000 people lined every corner at the Kanner Highway and U.S. 1 intersection, including World War II veteran Patrick Callihan, 97, of Hobe Sound, who said he had to participate. He joined Laurence Grayhills, of Stuart, who urged with his high-waving sign to "Defend Democracy and the Constitution."

This was one of six protests on the Treasure Coast, and one of thousands nationwide. In Fort Pierce, over 100 people gathered on Jenkins Road after 9 a.m. protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and calling for him to be ousted.

“(I’m here) for democracy and just continuing to better our country and to create respect for everyone,” said Rebecca Muscat, 25, who traveled from Brevard County to Fort Pierce. 

A group of Young Democrats of Indian River County estimated by using clickers at least 3,150 people were standing in protest by 1:30 p.m.

Pro-Trump supporters touted flags with slogans including “Trump Won” and “MAGA country,” but were outnumbered by No Kings protestors. 

3:15 p.m.: Jacksonville residents call for No Kings

The main protest in Jacksonville began with a 2 p.m. march from the Friendship Fountain to the Duval County Courthouse where thousands were prepared to rally into the early evening. In an early estimate, it appeared to be more than the first gathering in June.

2:11 p.m. 'No Kings' protest in Gainesville twice the size of protest held in June

reventing President Donald Trump and his administration from “running the country into the ground” epitomizes why protesters attending the No Kings protest in Gainesville gathered again Oct. 18 at Cora Roberson Park on Southwest Sixth Street and Depot Avenue.

To protest the “idiot running the country into the ground” is why William Scott Osborne, 51, of Newberry, said he attended the protest.

The way Trump talks to people, treat people who he doesn’t like and how easily his supporters allows him to get away with it is alarming, Osborne said, as he stood across the street from the park holding signs and waving at passersby who often honked their horns in support of the protest.

1:31 p.m.: Sarasota ‘No Kings’ protest against Trump draws thousands to downtown

An estimated 3,000 people turned out at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota on Saturday, Oct. 18, for a “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s administration. 

More than 2,500 protests were planned nationwide including 80 across Florida and five in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

The protest at Payne Park, located at 2010 Adams Lane just east of the intersection of Ringling and Washington boulevards, was organized by the Democratic Women's Club of Sarasota County and hosted speakers from the Social Equity through Education (SEE) alliance.

1:23 p.m.: Lee County residents gather in Fort Myers for 'No Kings' protest

Protesters lined U.S. 41 in Fort Myers on Saturday, Oct. 18, as part of the nationwide 'No Kings' movement, one of thousands of protests held across the country, denouncing what participants describe as executive overreach under President Donald Trump.

The Fort Myers demonstration, which took place from 8:30 to 11 a.m. near Daniels Parkway, stretched nearly a mile south to Sauer Drive. More than 3,000 yellow-clad protesters filled both sides of the six-lane corridor, waving homemade signs and wearing cardboard crowns, symbols of defiance against what they call "authoritarian behavior" in Washington, D.C.

Throughout the morning, car horns blared in support. Music, like The Beatles’ "Revolution," played through speakers along the street as protesters chanted and waved to passing vehicles.

1:04 p.m.: Thousands attend Cocoa 'No Kings' protest in song

Kathy Abel and her husband, Dave Abel, and a group of their friends joined the crowd on the packed sidewalk on the northwest corner of the U.S. 1 and King Street intersection. Many cheered, and passing drivers honked horns at the stoplight, as Dave Abel played guitar and he, Kathy and their friends sang "This Land is Your Land."

"I'm worried that this government is trying to lead us into a dictatorship," Kathy Abel said. "People's rights are being trampled every day with this government ... that's why I'm here."

Signs and T-shirts were many and blunt, from “This is the government the Founders warned us about” and “No Faux Kings” to “Apathy is Not an Option” and “Democracy Not Tyranny,” the latter sign held aloft by a man wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Once I Was Afraid, Now I’m Terrified.”

12:53 p.m.: U.S. congresswoman in West Palm Beach: 'This is what democracy looks like'

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel walked the length of the West Palm Beach protest to survey the crowd. She said she was impressed by the turnout and the event’s peaceful nature. 

“This is what democracy looks like,” said Frankel, a former mayor of West Palm Beach. “Silence is deadly. I’m so proud of our community.”

12:36 p.m.: Chants and banners in Tallahassee’s Capitol

Chants, banners, and marching feet returned to Tallahassee’s Capitol on Oct. 18 as the “No Kings Day” movement rallies thousands across the country to push back against President Donald Trump’s use of power.

Organizers say the coordinated events are meant to confront what they describe as Trump’s “violent authoritarian attacks on our freedoms,” pointing to the militarization of cities such as Chicago and the ongoing federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

Throngs along Monroe Street chanted "USA! USA!" as passing cars and trucks honked their horns. One woman shrouded in black held a sign that said, "Mourning our democracy." A speaker on the steps of the old Capitol shouted through a PA system, "Congratulations for getting your daily dose of positive patriotism."

But this event also comes at a moment when Trump has claimed a series of high-profile policy wins, including brokering a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. Supporters say that shows his leadership is delivering results, even as critics accuse him of consolidating power and undermining democratic norms — the very concerns fueling the No Kings movement.

Susan Johnson, a retired Episcopalian minister, came to the Tallahassee rally wearing her clerical collar.

"I'm here because I love my country and I love our people and I'm tired of the brutalization I see being done to immigrants especially, and the trampling of the Bill of Rights," she said. "God calls us to love our neighbor and that doesn't have a citizenship clause. Never did, never will."

12:27 p.m.: Collier County residents take to streets for Naples anti-Trump 'No Kings' protest

About 3,000 people gathered at the Collier County Courthouse in Naples Saturday, Oct. 18, as part of the anti-Trump "No Kings" protests taking place across the nation.

The crowd gathered at the courthouse and along Tamiami Trail and Airport Road was at least three times that of a similar Naples demonstration in June. With signs, blow-up costumes, protest shirts and song, people expressed their displeasure with President Donald Trump and his administration.

In Naples, there were a couple of T-rex costumes, a blow-up chicken and a blow-up Trump costume.

"I just thought it would energize the crowd," said Brant Bickel, his head sticking out of a Trump costume. "I think people have had enough. This is one of the most dangerous times in our country we're living through."

12:07 p.m.: Protesters and counter-protesters exchange words in Ocala

A No Kings rally protesting the Trump administration was held Oct. 18 on Ocala's downtown square. It was one of more than 2,500 similar protests being held on the same day nationwide.

In Ocala, protesters and counter-protesters exchanged words. There was a strong law enforcement presence, with law officers on the ground and high atop buildings. There were no arrests.

12:01 p.m.: Thousands of Brevard residents join in 'No Kings' protests

In Cocoa, an estimated 3,000 residents showed up with signs and wearing costumes at the intersection of State Road 520 and U.S. 1. Another, separate rally was planned at Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road.

Saturday's protest was being organized and sponsored by Awake Brevard, STOP Moms for Liberty, Brevard Democrats, Space Coast LGBTA Democratic Caucus and Space Coast Progressive Alliance.

Many people across Brevard thought they were "alone in their concerns," said Liz Mikitarian, STOP Moms for Liberty founder. "Our coming together at these events has developed a network of strong advocates for truth, justice and sanity,” she said.

10:34 a.m.:  'No Kings' protesters in Palm Beach County focus on reproductive rights, immigration

Maureen Witkowski, 73, said she once identified as a Republican and voted for both George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. That changed, she said, after Barack Obama’s first campaign. Her break with the GOP came from what she described as an erosion of values within the party. 

“It’s very sad that the Republican Party is allowing this. That there is no fighting back against someone who is destroying our country," she said. "They care more about their own job and power than they do about serving the country.”

The retired Royal Palm Beach High School teacher said she worries deeply about the state’s six-week abortion ban, calling it “a threat against women who have miscarriages.”

Cathy Mulcahey, 81, of West Palm Beach, sat along the edge of the crowd at the Palm Beach Gardens rally. She hoisted a handwritten “No Kings” sign above her walker. “My father was an immigrant. My parents, my late husband, my grandson, my brother — they were all in the military,” she said. “I’m a retired lawyer. I believe in the U.S. Constitution, and I hate to see its values trampled for profit.”

Where are the 'No Kings' protests in Florida?

According to the No King website, protests are currently planned in nearly 90 Florida cities. Car caravans and other events are also going on. Check the website for the latest list.

More than 5 million people participated in the first round of “No Kings” rallies in June, according to the ACLU.  But there have been numerous developments with free speech and executive action since then. Organizers referenced Trump’s efforts to deploy National Guard troops in a handful of Democratic-led cities. 

Below is a map of all of the locations.

What is the 'No Kings' protest?

According to event organizers, "No Kings" demonstrations are meant as a celebration of free speech, the right to assemble and the First Amendment. The widespread mobilization effort also presents an opportunity to push back against decisions made by the Trump administration, including increased immigration enforcement.

Where is Trump today? Why is Trump in Florida?

President Donald Trump arrived in his home county − Palm Beach County, Florida − about 6:20 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 for a weekend visit scheduled to be marked by protests against his rule, including his fresh calls for more prosecutions of political critics and renewed pledge of further military-style law and order missions in U.S. cities.

Trump makes his 11th visit to Palm Beach County in his White House second term still triumphantly basking in a cease-fire he brokered to silence weapons in the Israel-Gaza war that raged for just over two years. But he is still dogged by the stalemate on Capitol Hill over ending the partial government shutdown and Wall Street uneasiness over a new round of tariffs on China.

And deepening domestic divisions over his crackdown on what he has called, but critics have refuted, lawlessness in American urban centers.

(This story will be updated with new information.)