NewsPolitics

Actions

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sued over new 'anti-riot' law

Ron DeSantis Florida Governor
Posted
and last updated

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A social justice group has filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis two days after he signed a bill to create tougher penalties for people who participate in violent protests.

Court records show that the nonprofit group Legacy Entertainment & Arts Foundation filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Orlando federal court.

It argues the new law violates free speech and due process rights.

The so-called "anti-riot" bill that DeSantis signed on Monday was a response to nationwide demonstrations that occurred in the wake of George Floyd's murder.

DeSantis spokesman Cody McCloud said the governor's office will firmly defend the legal merits of the new law.

Sign up for our Morning E-mail Newsletter to receive the latest headlines in your inbox.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Thursday

10/30/2025

Sunny

82° / 55°

2%

Friday

10/31/2025

Sunny

79° / 54°

3%

Saturday

11/01/2025

Sunny

79° / 55°

2%

Sunday

11/02/2025

Partly Cloudy

78° / 55°

2%

Monday

11/03/2025

Mostly Sunny

82° / 55°

0%

Tuesday

11/04/2025

Mostly Sunny

79° / 55°

0%

Wednesday

11/05/2025

Mostly Sunny

76° / 55°

5%

Thursday

11/06/2025

Partly Cloudy

72° / 53°

2%