The Florida legislature passed Senate Bill 184, which would criminalize the harassment of a first responder while on duty, at the beginning of March. The bills awaits DeSantis' signature. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
In the bill, harassment is defined as willfully engaging "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."
The bill also specifies that people cannot be within 25 feet of a working first responder after receiving a verbal warning to stay away if they are impeding or interfering with job duties or threatening physical harm.
FLORIDA GOV RON DESANTIS SIGNS LAW WITH BIG POTENTIAL IMPACT ON EPSTEIN CASE
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Thursday that he supports the bill as law enforcement agencies are seeing more "aggressive, dangerous behavior" from people hoping to get a reaction from officers.
Harassing a working police officer, correctional probation officer, firefighter or EMS provider could be punishable by a fine of up to $500 or two months in jail if enacted by Gov. DeSantis. (iStock)
If signed into law, harassing a first responder would be considered a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida and violators could face a fine of up to $500 or two months in jail.
The law would go into effect on Jan. 1 of next year.
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