A revised ordinance would mean panhandlers would no longer be relegated to special areas in Orlando. But they also can no longer approach people at ATMs or walk into traffic.

City commissioners passed first reading of revised panhandling ordinance

Revisions get rid of designating panhandling areas

Also forbids more aggressive panhandling

RELATED: Read the fill ordinance

City leaders passed a first reading of the revised panhandling ordinance Monday. The city says it was forced to rework the measure after cities with similar rules, like Tampa, lost legal challenges that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

The court said the 1st Amendment protected panhandlers.

“We’re not going to violate free speech. You can ask once but you cannot continue to aggressively pursue somebody,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The new rules would get rid of the designated areas for panhandling, marked in blue throughout the city. The entire sidewalk is now considered a legal space for soliciting.

But the new rules also forbid panhandlers from approaching people at ATMs, people seated in outdoor patio areas, or people in line for an event.

They can't block parking areas or structures so that vehicles can't enter or exit. They can't follow a person or group with intent to harass them into giving money.

In addition, going into traffic to ask drivers for money can also land a panhandler in jail.

Shelly Brown just began working in downtown Orlando. She says while she hasn’t been approached by a panhandler yet, she has seen them while driving.

“If people felt like they couldn’t approach the business because people were hanging out at the doorway, I think that would be not good,” said Brown. “But I think it’s OK for them to be wherever they can be safe.”

Orlando officials say the new ordinance’s rules on soliciting money in traffic would also apply to nonprofits and other organizations who often approach vehicles for donations during fundraisers. Firefighters often use do this for Muscular Dystrophy Association's Fill the Boot campaign. Some youth sports teams and churches have also taken to this type of solicitation.

The Orlando City Commission must past a second reading of the revised panhandling ordinance before it goes into effect.