Florida’s new law making it illegal to sleep in parks and public spaces went into effect today. Will it just fill up the jails or spark local governments to solve homelessness? Here’s our @nbc6 report. https://t.co/SqrNUeCH3J
— Ari Odzer (@ariodzernbc6) October 2, 2024
Florida has enacted a strict law banning homeless people from sleeping in public outdoor spaces such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. The law, which took effect on Tuesday, requires local governments to offer temporary housing to the homeless, where they will be prohibited from using drugs and have access to substance abuse and mental health treatment. Governor Ron DeSantis described the law as striking “absolutely the right balance,” emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public safety.
Public camping is outlawed in #Florida as of today. Homeless people and local governments alike are trying to figure out what’s next. https://t.co/2XAGgU94Pk via @MBKlave
— Craig Pittman (@craigtimes) October 1, 2024
The law allows individuals to sue counties that do not enforce the public sleeping ban, but includes a three-month grace period before any lawsuits can be filed. Florida estimates it has about 31,000 homeless people. Mildred Forti, who has been living in Miami with her husband, criticized the law, stating, “This is another stupid law.
We will start moving again and looking for a new place.”
On Oct. 1 a new Florida law kicks in that will make it illegal sleep in public. Our students @MediaLabFAU have done a great job covering this issue, we just had a story picked up in @WLRN. Please read and share. #unhoused #homeless #Florida @fau_scms https://t.co/KY2lrNpKbN
— Ilene Prusher (@IlenePrusher) October 1, 2024
Organizations like the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust are actively working to create more opportunities for shelter and housing.
Broward Mayor @senatornanrich talks to @WPLGLocal10 @ChristinaWPLG about camping ban legislation and programs and services to help the homeless https://t.co/fUGn0NhBzB
— Broward County Board of County Commissioners (@browardinfo) October 1, 2024
Florida’s homeless ban and housing efforts
Ron Book, chairman of the trust, stated, “We are looking at setting up a navigation center, which is a step below what a normal shelter is.
We hope to have it operational by the end of the year.” Plans are also in place to move more than 140 people into rental units at the La Quinta Hotel in Cutler Bay, which is being converted into housing for low-income seniors. Additional shelters and housing units are also planned. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony emphasized in a social media post that “Homelessness is not a crime.” Under the new law, local governments can offer county-owned land for people to sleep on, provided they keep it clean and are given access to showers and mental health services.
The county must prove it does not have enough beds in homeless shelters and that the temporary camps would not impact the property value or safety and security of other properties in the county. The implementation of this law aims to address homelessness while ensuring public safety and providing necessary support services for the homeless population in Florida. However, the law has left cities and counties across the state scrambling to respond and manage its implications, as existing resources are already spread thin due to the rapid increase in demand for housing since the pandemic.
- APNews.”Florida enacts tough law to get homeless off the streets, leaving cities and counties scrambling”.
- TampaBay.”As the homeless law takes effect, what is Tampa Bay doing to prepare?”.
- FoxNews.”Florida law banning homeless people from sleeping in public outdoor spaces takes effect”.