For now, Fort Lauderdale is not arresting homeless people for sleeping on the sidewalk. But that could change on New Year’s Day.
The state’s new law — one aimed at getting homeless people off the streets with a ban on public sleeping and camping — took effect on Oct. 1.
Some thought change would come right away, expecting police officers to escort homeless people off the streets if they’re found sleeping in a public place. But under the new law, cities that fail to enforce the anti-camping ban can’t be sued until Jan. 1.
Certain areas in Fort Lauderdale remain homeless hot spots , including the courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the busy corner of State Road A1A and Las Olas Boulevard over on the beach, and bus benches up and down Federal Highway.
And people are noticing.
Since Oct. 1, more than 140 complaints tipping off the city about homeless camps have been submitted to FixIt FTL, a platform that allows people to report non-emergency issues by phone, online or through an app.