He was not looking for a fight. And carrying a gun is legal in Florida. He followed and watched Martin, he did not confront him. All of which is 100% legal. Police did not order Zimmerman to do, or not do, anything. A 911 operator (not police) *suggested* it “wasn’t necessary” to follow him. It was not an order. And in fact a 911 telephone operator cannot issue orders.
And Martin confronted Zimmerman.