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Florida law aimed at protecting law enforcement, keeping crowds at distance set to take effect Jan. 1

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Published  December 12, 2024 5:33pm EST
Florida
FOX 13 News

New January laws: Protecting first responders

FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer reports on a new law aimed at protecting first responders by keeping crowds at a distance is set to take effect, with supporters and opponents still at odds about whether it's necessary. The so-called "halo law" will go into effect January 1, 2025, and will make it illegal to come within 25 feet of first responders if the intent is to "impede, threaten or harass" them.

TAMPA, Fla. - A new law aimed at protecting first responders by keeping crowds at a distance is set to take effect, with supporters and opponents still at odds about whether it's necessary.

The so-called "halo law" will go into effect January 1, 2025, and will make it illegal to come within 25 feet of first responders if the intent is to "impede, threaten or harass" them.

Supporters have said this is to prevent distractions, like crowds that can form at crime scenes and make it more difficult for law enforcement to do their jobs.

RELATED: New Florida laws take effect Jan. 1: Here’s what to know

"It's going to be situational," said Brandon Barclay, a Tampa Police Department veteran who is not the president of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. "If you're told to get back, and you're within the 25 feet, you would have to get back to outside the 25 feet. But it's going to be a case-by-case scenario. I think a lot of people are concerned that anybody with a video camera is just going to be under arrest, and it's just not the case."

Although the law does not prevent people from recording first responders, opponents worry it'll cause a chilling effect on witnesses who want to record authorities they believe are abusing their power.

They point to the importance of cell phone cameras in cases like that of George Floyd, who died during an arrest in Minnesota in 2020. A witness's video led to the arrests of the officers involved.

"No one should be afraid of the camera if the camera is going to tell the truth," said Yvette Lewis, the president of the NAACP Hillsborough County. "Whoever created this bill, whoever drafted this bill and voted for this bill, what are you trying to hide from the community with when it comes to law enforcement?"

People who violate the law can be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to 60 days in jail.

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