The law makes it a misdemeanor to approach within 25 feet of a first responder after receiving a verbal warning to stay away.
REASON
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law today that will prohibit bystanders from getting too close to police and other first responders.
The legislation, Senate Bill 184, makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to approach within 25 feet of a first responder after receiving a verbal warning to stay away. The law includes a requirement of intent to interfere, threaten, or harass the first responder who is in the course of his duties.
It also prohibits harassment of first responders. The law defines harassment as conduct “which intentionally causes substantial emotional distress in that first responder and serves no legitimate purpose.”
