Florida Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Anti-Riot Law

Ruling ensures peaceful protesters are not criminalized under the 2021 legislation targeting violent demonstrations.

The court ruled that the law applies only to individuals who engage in or intend to support violent and disorderly conduct.
Justice John Couriel's opinion emphasized that peaceful protesters are not considered rioters under the statute.
The decision responds to concerns that the law was vague and could be misused against non-violent demonstrators.
Civil rights groups had challenged the law, fearing it could infringe on First Amendment rights.
The case now returns to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals for further proceedings.