The Florida Senate
HOUSE MESSAGE SUMMARY
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Criminal Justice
[2024s00184.hms.cj]
BILL: SB 184
INTRODUCER: Senators Avila and Hooper
SUBJECT: Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders
DATE: March 6, 2024
I.Amendments Contained in Message:
House Amendment – 903751 (body with title)
II.Summary of Amendments Contained in Message:
House Amendment – 903751 redefines “harass” to mean to willfully engage in a course of
conduct which intentionally causes substantial emotional distress in that first responder and
serves no legitimate purpose.
This amendment clarifies it is unlawful to approach after receiving a verbal warning from a
person he or she knows or reasonable should know is a first responder.
This amendment extends the parameters from 14 feet to 25 feet and makes it unlawful to
knowingly and willfully violate such warning and approach or remain within 25 feet of the first
responder.
This amendment removes language prohibiting a person from interrupting, disrupting, or
hindering the first responder’s ability to perform such duty.
This amendment changes the criminal offense from a first degree misdemeanor to a second
degree misdemeanor.
The amendment changes the effective date from October 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025.