Florida Passes Bill to Ban Homeless Encampments on Public Property

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Lawmakers in Florida have passed a bill that will ban homeless individuals from setting up camp or sleeping on public property across the state. The bill, which received support from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to address the growing issue of homelessness by designating specific areas for the homeless to camp for a maximum duration of one year, subject to approval from the state Department of Children and Families.

Under the bill, individuals using these designated encampments will be prohibited from using alcohol or illegal drugs. Proponents argue that this legislation will help to eliminate the presence of homeless camps on public property and parks, making it easier to provide targeted services to those in need.

Senator Jonathan Martin, the bill's sponsor, believes that addressing homelessness is a responsibility that cannot be postponed any longer. He explained, "It's our responsibility to deal with homelessness, and that's why we can't wait any longer to bring this solution. The current model is not working. This bill is a compassionate response to the shortage of shelters." Senator Martin cited approximately 30,000 Floridians without a home, with almost half of them lacking shelter altogether.

Opponents, however, argue that the bill is merely an attempt to relocate the homeless population and remove them from public view. Democratic Senator Shevrin Jones expressed dissatisfaction with the bill, stating, "This bill does not and will not address the more pressing and root cause of homelessness. We are literally reshuffling the visibility of unhoused individuals with no exit strategy for people who are experiencing homelessness."

Critics also raise concerns about the potential lack of safeguards in the bill. They argue that there are no provisions to ensure that sexual offenders and children will not be living in close proximity within government-designated encampments, nor does the bill outline requirements for maintaining safety and sanitation standards.

The bill defines public camping as "residing overnight in a temporary outdoor habitation used as a dwelling or living space and evidenced by the erection of a tent or other temporary shelter, the presence of bedding or pillows, or the storage of personal belongings." It is important to note that this ban will not apply to people sleeping in legally parked vehicles.

Florida's move to ban homeless encampments on public property follows a nationwide trend of cities and states grappling with the issue of homelessness and striving to find effective solutions. As the bill heads to Governor DeSantis for final approval, advocates on both sides of the debate eagerly await the outcome.