Homeless Florida residents will no longer be allowed to sleep in public spaces like streets and parks starting October 1, according to a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill, known as HB-1365attempts to direct homeless people to shelters set up by local authoritiesto keep them away from public areas.
This is done with the aim of cracking down on homeless encampments and ensuring public safety in the affected communities.
The law stipulates that from January 1, 2025, municipalities that allow homeless people to camp in public places can be reported by individuals, companies or the public prosecutor’s office. Aside from that, The shelters in which homeless people are housed must have a permit by the state Department of Children and Families and can provide addiction treatment.
The lawlessness seen in “progressive” cities—sprawling encampments, open-air drug markets, and homeless people endangering themselves and others—is entirely avoidable.
We will not tolerate this in Florida, and our action today is one of many steps we are taking to preserve our cities… pic.twitter.com/55XUuK95Nn
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 20, 2024
“Florida will not allow homeless encampments to invade its citizens or impact their quality of life,” DeSantis said during a news conference he held today in Miami Beach, which has recently seen arrests under similar rules of homeless people who had refused to go there to go shelters.
During a press conference in Miami Beach, DeSantis said the measure was targeted Protect citizens and improve their quality of life. At the same conference, Mayor Steve Meiner endorsed the law as a step toward “order city” Florida.
This action reflects the “law and order” policies advocated by DeSantis, who is considered a conservative Republican leader.
The new regulations have sparked a debate about how to address the homeless problem, particularly when it comes to access to mental health and addictions services. Although Some see the law as a way to improve public safety, while others express concerns on human rights and the long-term effectiveness of this measure in combating homelessness.
ORP