A new Florida law limiting where homeless people can sleep took effect on October 1, 2024. Local governments are prohibited from allowing people to sleep in streets, public buildings, or public rights of way.
The new law targets maintaining public safety and order in community spaces.
CS/CS/HB 1365: Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping
Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping; Prohibits counties & municipalities from authorizing or otherwise allowing public camping or sleeping on public property without certification of designated public property by DCF; authorizes counties to designate public property for such uses for specified time period; requires counties to establish specified standards & procedures relating to such property; authorizes DCF to inspect such property & to issue notice; provides exception during specified emergencies.
There are an estimated 31,462 people experiencing homelessness in Florida, according to the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness.
Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, sponsored House Bill 1365. “We’re going to give our local communities the flexibility they need to address the problems in the way that respects the local conditions in the way that is best for their citizens.”