We are calling your attention to a new rule established by the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) rule that went into effect on March 1st. This rule drastically limits the use of the Florida Capitol building and grounds for citizens and various groups by requiring events hosted by citizens and groups to be in agreement with a state agency’s mission. To reserve space, a request must come from the head of a state agency, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, or the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida. In tandem with this new rule, if a Capitol law enforcement officer thinks that an event or gathering is disruptive, offensive, or disturbing government business, then those rallying or protesting may be issued a trespass notice and/or arrested.

There is an exception to this new DMS Rule. If an organization, individual, or group wishes to hold a news conference, they are not subject to the agency head sponsorship requirement. Unfortunately, not every organization can organize a news conference. The rule as a whole is a direct assault on our First Amendment Rights. The League will NOT sit quietly by and allow citizens to be muzzled!

The above is a notice from the League of Women Voters of Florida sent on March 1, 2023. LWVFL is concerned about people who plan to go to Tallahassee to speak out and want organizers to be aware of the new rule.