How far to stand from first responders in Florida

A Florida law that took effect in 2025 restricted where bystanders can stand when first responders are on a scene.

The law, which was approved by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, protects first responders from people “impeding, threatening, or harassing.”

Here’s what to know:

What the first responder law says

The law says that people must stand at least 25 feet from a first responder who verbally warns them to back off while the responder is working.

Under the “Halo Law,” if you fail to comply with the request to move back and are perceived to be harassing or impeding first responders, from doing their work or threatening them with physical harm you could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge.

The charge could include jail time of up to 60 days. You could also be fined $500.

“Harass,” as defined by the new law, is to “willfully engage in a course of conduct directed at a first responder which intentionally causes substantial emotional distress in that first responder and serves no legitimate purpose.”

Who is a first responder?

A “first responder” as defined by the law includes a law enforcement officer, a correctional probation officer, a firefighter or an emergency medical care provider.

Reaction to the law

Some law enforcement leaders have applauded the new buffer zone law.

“You can video law enforcement officers, that’s your constitutional right,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, an advocate of the new law, said at the time of passage. “But you’ve got to stay out of their way while they’re doing their jobs.”

But the ACLU’s Florida chapter opposed the bill because its members believe it could criminalize bystanders and empower police to shield themselves from public scrutiny.

The bill :has nothing to do with what its title suggests,” ACLU Florida posted. “This bill is all about preventing bystanders from being able to observe with their own eyes an officer’s excessive use of force and record those images — with their cell phone or other device — for the public to see. The purpose and effect of this bill is to decrease police transparency and accountability by ensuring that there are no eyewitnesses or recorded evidence of any excessive use of force.”