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Protest During Business Hours Only

September 25th, 2013 by flanews

Earlier this summer the Dream Defenders camped out in the state capitol 24/7 for 31 days. Overtime cost Florida taxpayers more than 172-thousand dollars. Now the state is changing the rules to make sure that doesn’t happen again.


“When the Capitol is closed we will not allow people in to sleep, to protest, things of that nature,” said Gerald Bailey, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner.

FDLE is recommending rules aimed at keeping people out of the Capitol after business hours.

If this does become the new rule, the Capitol doors will be locked after hours. Meaning that you will be escorted out of the building of possibly arrested.

The Dream Defenders are back in Tallahassee this week. Even though they aren’t staying in the Capitol this time around they say the recommended changes will silence people’s voices.

“The right to peacefully assemble, engage your lawmakers in a public building, public figure, public figures is not being infringed on,” said Phillip Agnew, Dream Defenders Executive Director. “It’s a core tenant of our constitution of Florida and our country. Seems more political than safety.”

The state says it’s all about safety. FDLE is currently waiting on Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford. The three must approve the rule in writing for the changes to take place.

“They are in the process now of going over the FDLE recommendation and I hope we hear from them soon,” said Bailey.

The new rules would also prohibit groups from preparing food without a permit.

Those authorized in the capitol will still be allowed access to the building after hours, but a maximum of four guests will only be permitted with the authorized person.

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