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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Know Your Rights — Pasco County, Florida

Understanding your rights is essential to participating confidently and safely in civic life—from peaceful protesting to interactions with law enforcement and voting. Below is a clear overview of key rights, along with trusted resources you can reference for more detailed guidance.

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Peaceful Protest & Free Expression

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Your Rights

  • You have a constitutional right to peacefully assemble, express your views, and petition government. This includes participating in marches, rallies, and demonstrations.

  • Reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions may apply (for example, permits for street closures or amplified sound), but the government cannot restrict your speech because of its content. ACLU of Florida

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Trusted Resources

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Interactions with Law Enforcement & ICE

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Your Rights

  • You have the right to remain silent and may ask “Am I free to leave?” during any police or immigration encounter.

  • Law enforcement and immigration agents generally must show a valid warrant signed by a judge before conducting a search.

  • You have the right to legal counsel and should request an attorney before answering questions. These basic rights apply regardless of immigration status. ACLU of Florida

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Trusted Resources

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Voting Rights in Florida

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Your Rights

  • Eligible U.S. citizens in Florida have the right to register and vote, have their vote counted, and participate in fair elections.

  • Registered voters have protections against intimidation and improper interference at the polls.

  • Voting rights include early voting, absentee voting, and access to necessary accommodations. ACLU of Florida

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Trusted Resources

  • ACLU Florida Voting Rights — Overview on voting rights issues and how to get information on voter registration and polling:
    https://www.aclufl.org/issues/voting-rights/ ACLU of Florida

  • Florida Department of State, Division of Elections — Official state resource for voter registration, election dates, and polling locations:
    https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/ (link to official Florida elections site; no specific search result available but this is the authoritative source)

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Important Notes

  • This information is educational and civic-focused, not legal advice. Rights can vary by situation and are subject to change. For case-specific legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney or legal aid service.

  • Local laws and enforcement practices may differ. When in doubt, stay informed through official county or state government channels.

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Keeping Yourself Safe Before, During, and After a Peaceful Rally

Peaceful rallies are a powerful way to participate in democracy. Taking simple, thoughtful steps before, during, and after an event can help protect your safety, your rights, and the well-being of those around you.

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Before a Rally

  • Know the details: Confirm the location, time, permitted areas, and any posted rules from the organizers.

  • Plan ahead: Arrange transportation, meeting points, and a safe way to leave if plans change.

  • Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for standing or walking; consider sun protection and weather conditions.

  • Bring essentials only: Water, necessary medications, identification, and a charged phone are typically sufficient.

  • Share your plans: Let a trusted friend or family member know where you’ll be and when you expect to return.

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Protect Yourself Digitally Before and After

  • Encrypt your mobile device.

  • Remove biometric locking features from your devices and replace them with a strong pin or passcode.

  • Sign out of any accounts on your device such as email and social media.

  • Use a secure communication app such as Signal.

  • Back up your data in case your phone is lost or stolen.

  • Take videos or photos with your phone locked.

  • Scrub metadata before you post anything online.

  • Avoid taking or posting images of protestors’ faces.​


During a Rally

  • Stay peaceful and aware: Remain calm, respectful, and attentive to your surroundings at all times.

  • Follow lawful instructions: Pay attention to event organizers and any lawful directions from public safety officials.

  • Protect your personal space: Avoid heated exchanges and disengage from situations that feel unsafe.

  • Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to peacefully assemble; you are not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself if lawfully required.

  • Look out for one another: Stay with trusted companions when possible and check in with others if someone appears distressed.

 

How to De-escalate and Remain Safe

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A core principle behind all events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.  

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  • Identify the threat - not all agitators need to be addressed. Identify the type of agitator and the threat they pose in order to determine if intervention is warranted. Intervening should be based on your personal risk assessment, how much of a disturbance the person is causing, and the threat the agitator poses.

  • Stay calm - When you see a threat, do not engage, and step away. Alert event organizer or safety lead.

  • Keep your distance - Record only if it’s safe. Alert event organizer or safety lead.

  • Avoid confrontation - Step away or help drown them out with chants/songs. Alert event organizer or safety lead.

  • Remain calm - low tone, non-threatening body language, keep a safe distance

  • Observe - keep eyes on the person's hands and movements, as well as their proximity to other protesters and/or objects. Are tensions escalating? Are they becoming increasingly irate? Constantly evaluate the situation and adapt to your evolving risk assessment.

  • Listen - most often people act out and get more upset when they are not heard. Approach the person with curiosity and do not cut them off. Acknowledge where they’re coming from (even if you don’t agree with them). 

  • Redirect attention - where possible, try to get the person to shift their attention to something else. 

  • Create distance - situations typically escalate the more people are involved. If possible, help to guide the person you’re addressing off to the side or at a place further away from the rest of the protestors, without making physical contact.

 

After a Rally

  • Leave safely and deliberately: Exit calmly and avoid lingering in tense or crowded areas.

  • Document concerns: If you experienced or witnessed concerning behavior, write down details while they are fresh.

  • Take care of yourself: Rest, hydrate, and attend to any physical or emotional needs after the event.

  • Stay informed: Follow up with trusted organizations for updates, resources, or guidance if questions arise.

 

Why This Matters

Safety and civic engagement go hand in hand. Preparing thoughtfully and acting with care helps ensure that peaceful demonstrations remain a positive, lawful expression of democratic participation.

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Advocate to Defend the Right to Protest

  • Learn more about the attacks on your First Amendment rights by tracking anti-protest legislation. 

  • Protect your right to protest by joining a state advocacy campaign. 

  • Join a Federal campaign protecting the right to dissent by applying pressure on Congress to support bills like the Protecting Our Protestors Act of 2025.

 

Resources

Track anti-protest bills by using Human Rights First’s (HRF) Democracy Watch tracker. Join HRF’s and AIUSA’s efforts to protect the right to protest by using this advocacy toolkit.

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