News Summary
On October 18, over 2,500 ‘No Kings’ demonstrations will occur across the U.S., with more than 80 protests scheduled in Florida alone. These events aim to safeguard democratic values and respond to perceived authoritarianism under the current administration. Protests in locations like Jacksonville and St. Augustine will be accompanied by legal observers to maintain safety. Participants are encouraged to understand their rights and follow regulations, especially regarding movement near emergency responders and public spaces.
Jacksonville, Florida – On Saturday, October 18, more than 2,500 “No Kings” demonstrations are set to take place across the United States, with over 80 protests organized in Florida alone. This series of events aims to defend democratic institutions and respond to what many organizers view as increasing authoritarianism under the Trump administration.
The protests in Florida include gatherings in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Fernandina Beach, with seven protests planned specifically in Jacksonville. Organizers are directing their frustrations at various issues attributed to the current administration, including immigration policies, the deployment of ICE and National Guard troops, shifting trade tariffs, and the consolidation of power within the executive branch.
As part of the efforts to ensure participant safety and awareness of their rights, legal observers and civil rights organizations will be present at events nationwide. Participants are advised to de-escalate confrontations and refrain from bringing any weapons to the protests. Despite the protections afforded to public protests under the First Amendment, participants must not obstruct traffic or impede access to government buildings. Law enforcement agencies may interpret demonstrators’ actions in ways that can lead to a forceful response, making awareness of legal guidelines essential.
The Human Rights Campaign has emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with the protest area and knowing emergency exit routes beforehand. Florida’s HALO Law requires individuals to keep at least 25 feet away from first responders when requested, with violations potentially resulting in a misdemeanor charge. Protesters are permitted to photograph or record anything in clear view but must comply with the stipulations of the HALO Law.
It is vital for participants to understand that while First Amendment rights are strongest in traditional public spaces such as streets, sidewalks, and parks, certain restrictions apply near residential areas and during funerals. Specifically, Florida law prohibits protest activities within 500 feet of designated locations during or within one hour of funerals or burials.
In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1, which increased penalties for specific protest activities. However, a 2024 ruling from the Florida Supreme Court upheld protections for non-violent protesters, reinforcing the emphasis on peaceful demonstration.
Organizers are anticipating that October 18 will be the largest single day of protest in modern American history, underscoring the theme “America has No Kings.” The protests are grounded in principles of nonviolence, urging participants to commit to peaceful actions even in the face of opposition.
For those interested in participating, more information and a comprehensive list of events are available on the website nokings.org. To ensure privacy during the protests, many organizations suggest that participants leave their phones at home or utilize a secondary phone with security settings disabled if necessary.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: No Kings Protest Details
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- First Coast News: No Kings Day Protest
- Google Search: No Kings Protests October 2025
- Tallahassee.com: No Kings Protests in Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- News-Journal Online: No Kings Protests in Florida
- Google News: No Kings Protests Florida
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
