In a move that has sparked both support and controversy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has endorsed a statewide strategy aimed at addressing the state's growing homeless crisis. The strategy, which Republican lawmakers claim is the first of its kind, proposes placing homeless individuals in designated camps that provide security, sanitation, and access to behavioral health services.

The proposed legislation, still a "work in progress" according to Governor DeSantis, seeks to move homeless individuals off the streets while ensuring public order and maintaining quality of life for residents. The governor expressed his willingness to allocate funds to help local governments in treating and housing the homeless.

However, the idea of placing homeless individuals in camps has divided lawmakers and homeless advocates. Critics argue that it is a clumsy and one-size-fits-all approach that may result in more arrests of the homeless. They also claim that it goes against federal best practices, which prioritize moving the homeless into transitional or permanent housing.

Notably, the legislation has gained support from Ron Book, chairperson of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, widely recognized for its success in eliminating homelessness. Book, who also serves as a powerful Tallahassee lobbyist, acknowledges that the idea is not perfect and opposes the idea of mass encampments, but sees it as a stepping stone towards finding a solution. The legislation is sponsored by Representative Sam Garrison, a future speaker of the House of Representatives, which adds weight to its potential impact on future homeless efforts.

However, critics such as Senator Rosalind Osgood, who had experienced homelessness herself, argue that the proposed bill would lead to the fear of arrests and separation of homeless parents from their children for simple acts like taking a nap in public places.

House Bill 1365 and Senate Bill 1530, which are currently being discussed, aim to prohibit sleeping or camping on public property and rights of way. Instead, counties and municipalities could designate specific areas for camping and sleeping, as long as nearby residential or commercial properties are not adversely affected. To hold counties accountable, the legislation would allow individuals or businesses to sue counties, with the county responsible for legal fees if the lawsuit is successful.

Dubbed as the "Florida model," the strategy intends to encourage local governments to assist the homeless while clearing them out of public spaces. Proponents of the legislation, including its Senate bill sponsor Senator Jonathan Martin, view it as a "cutting edge" solution to the increasing number of homeless individuals. The lack of affordable housing has led more and more Americans to become unhoused, with some resorting to sleeping in public parks, campgrounds, or their cars.

Various strategies have been employed by Tampa Bay coalitions and nonprofits, funded by federal and local sources, to combat homelessness, such as purchasing and refurbishing shelters and addressing addiction issues. However, as homelessness continues to rise, finding effective solutions has proven to be a challenge for some local governments.

Despite the support for the legislation, concerns have been raised regarding practical aspects such as ensuring the safety of the tent communities and enforcing the relocation of homeless individuals to the designated camps. Additionally, the legislation is not currently tied to any additional funding, although the proposed budget includes $20 million for additional homeless services.

The proposed strategy of using camps to house the homeless diverges from the federal "housing first" approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing. Critics argue that the legislation's requirement for individuals in tent sites to abstain from drugs and alcohol goes against current successful strategies seen in Miami-Dade County, which has focused on offering housing and support services without such restrictions.

As the debate around the legislation intensifies, with support coming from unexpected quarters, such as the Cicero Institute, and concerns raised by advocates and lawmakers, its fate remains uncertain. The potential unintended consequences and impact on current homeless strategies are causing anxiety within the community.

Governor DeSantis's endorsement of the strategy has ignited discussions and drawn attention to the ongoing homeless crisis in Florida. The coming weeks will likely see further debate and potential amendments to the legislation as stakeholders strive to find an effective and humane solution to the issue at hand.