No, I’m not referring to the Beatles song, but rather a new law going into effect in Florida on January 1, 2025, that will require people to move back twenty-five (25) feet if a first responder verbally warns them to, while the first responder is performing a legal duty, and with the intent to:
*Block or interfere with their ability to perform the duty
*Threaten the first responders with physical harm
*Harass the first responder
“Harassment” is defined as an action directed at a first responder that “intentionally causes substantial emotional distress in that first responder and serves no legitimate purpose.” What is interesting is that “emotional distress,” “legitimate purpose” and which parties may decide if they apply were left undefined in the new statute. First responders are defined as law enforcement officers, correctional probation officers, firefighters and emergency medical care providers.
The new law does not prevent taking video or pictures of law enforcement in the course of their duties, but it does require you, if asked, to move 25 feet away, which can make shooting images or video much more difficult.
Violations of the new law will be a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of probation, or 60 days in jail.
