Florida’s Halo Law May Expand to Federal Agents: What This Means for Your Rights

Florida’s controversial “Halo Law” may soon expand—potentially affecting how close citizens can stand near federal law enforcement officers and whether they can record federal agents in public. A newly proposed expansion could significantly increase the scope of this law and raise important constitutional and practical concerns.

Florida’s Halo Law requires individuals to remain at least 25 feet away from police officers, firefighters, and other first responders while they are performing official duties. The law allows officers to order someone to move back if they are closer than 25 feet and interfering, obstructing, or impeding their work.

Violating such an order can result in arrest and criminal charges.

The law was designed to protect first responders, but critics have warned it may impact the public’s ability to observe and record law enforcement in public spaces.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia recently announced that he is drafting legislation to expand the Halo Law to include federal agents such as:

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers
• Homeland Security agents
• Other federal law enforcement personnel operating in Florida

Under the proposed expansion, individuals would be required to remain at least 25 feet away from federal agents while they are working—just as they must currently do with local police and first responders.

According to Ingoglia, the goal is to extend the same protections already given to state and local officers to federal partners.

One of the most significant concerns surrounding both the current law and the proposed expansion is how it affects citizens’ rights to record law enforcement.

Courts have consistently recognized that citizens generally have the right to record police officers in public, as long as they do not interfere with official duties.

However, critics argue that the Halo Law—and especially its proposed expansion—could effectively prevent recording by forcing citizens to stay farther away or risk arrest.

As criminal defense attorney Matt Landsman explained in the WESH 2 News report:

“It’s kind of pushing the balance into more clarity in terms of what law enforcement’s powers are… However, it makes it muddier from the citizen’s standpoint as far as, where do my rights end?”

This uncertainty is one of the central legal issues surrounding the law.

If expanded, the Halo Law could affect everyday situations such as:

• Immigration enforcement operations
• Federal search warrants
• ICE arrests in public locations
• Homeland Security investigations
• Joint federal-local law enforcement operations

Because federal agents often operate in public places, the law could limit how close citizens, journalists, or bystanders can approach.

Critics warn this could discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional right to document law enforcement activity.

Importantly, Florida law already makes it a crime to:

• Resist officers without violence
• Obstruct officers performing lawful duties
• Interfere with ongoing investigations

These laws apply whether the officer is local, state, or federal.

The key legal question raised by the Halo Law and its proposed expansion is whether the additional 25-foot buffer creates clarity—or creates confusion and potential constitutional conflicts.

If the Halo Law expansion is enacted, courts will likely examine whether it violates constitutional protections, including:

• First Amendment rights (freedom of speech and press)
• Right to record police in public
• Due process protections
• Limits on vague or overly broad criminal statutes

Laws that restrict protected activity must be narrowly tailored, and courts may ultimately determine whether the Halo Law meets that standard.

Whether or not the expansion passes, citizens should understand the following:

• You generally have the right to record law enforcement in public.
• You do not have the right to interfere with officers performing their duties.
• Officers may order individuals to move back under certain circumstances.
• Failure to comply with lawful orders can result in arrest.
• The scope of the Halo Law—and its potential expansion—remains an evolving legal issue.

Cases involving alleged violations of the Halo Law often involve complex legal questions, including:

• Whether the officer’s order was lawful
• Whether the person was actually interfering
• Whether the law was applied constitutionally
• Whether First Amendment rights were violated

These cases frequently depend on video evidence, officer testimony, and the precise facts of the encounter.

At Landsman Law, we closely monitor changes in Florida law—including developments involving the Halo Law and proposed expansions affecting federal agents.

If you have been arrested or charged with resisting, obstruction, or violating a Halo Law order, it is critical to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Early legal intervention can make the difference between dismissal, reduced charges, or conviction.

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Sources

• WESH 2 News: Florida CFO proposes expanding Halo Act to protect federal agents
  https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-cfo-proposes-expanding-halo-act-protect-federal-agents/70317264

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Criminal Defense Lawyer Matt Landsman at Landsman Law helps people accused of crimes in Gainesville, Alachua County, Bradford County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Marion and surrounding areas of north Florida. If you need help for yourself or a loved one, contact Criminal Defense Attorney Matt Landsman for a free consultation today. For help with any Criminal Matter from Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer Matt Landsman – CALL NOW

If you’re accused of any criminal matter, retaining an attorney is critical to protecting your rights. These cases will involve constitutional questions and concern allegations of misconduct or are sensitive in nature, requiring a skill, preparation and experience. For expert legal help, contact Gainesville Defense Lawyer Matt Landsman to protect your rights today.