WINTER HAVEN -- With outspoken Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and other law enforcement officers at his back, Governor Ron DeSantis called on lawmakers to pass legislation that would crack down on protest that edge into violence or disruption, including traffic blocking.

The governor says it's time for Florida to "stand unequivocally" behind its police officers---and he calls this the boldest and most comprehensive legislation of its type in the country. For one thing, he says blocking roadways will now be a felony.

"People take over interstates, it's not fair to motorists who get caught up in that, that will be absolutely unacceptable," DeSantis said.

DeSantis' bill would require felony charges against anyone caught inciting violence, blocking roadways, destroying public property, including monuments, and harassing innocent people. The bill would offer protection to Confederate monuments and others that have been torn down by crowds in other states.

DeSantis says the state has a stern message to local communities that would vote to defund police: "Florida will defund you." He intends to withhold state funding to communities that cut police budgets, although he insists he won't punish communities that cut police budgets as part of an overall budget cut, which is likely

"We're not your enemy," Judd said in his introduction to the governor's remarks, referring to law enforcement. "We're your friend when you don't have any friends."