Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law on Wednesday that includes bans on homeless encampments and drug use in homeless shelters.
The proposed legislation, known as House Bill 1365, aims to address the issue of unauthorized public camping and sleeping by homeless individuals. Under this bill, homeless individuals would be required to stay in temporary shelters that are supervised by law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the bill grants local residents and businesses the right to file a lawsuit against any city or county that permits unauthorized camping on public property, including sidewalks and parks.
The new law mandates that homeless shelters must offer drug and alcohol treatment services. Additionally, the state Department of Children and Families is required to provide alternative options when homeless shelters reach full capacity.
During a news conference in Miami Beach, Governor DeSantis emphasized that Florida is determined to prevent homeless encampments from disrupting the lives of its citizens or diminishing their quality of life, as observed in states like New York and California. He highlighted that the recently signed legislation not only upholds the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order but also aims to provide essential resources to help homeless individuals regain stability and rebuild their lives.
State Representative Sam Garrison, a Republican from Fleming Island, was the sponsor of the bill.
“In Florida, we can take valuable lessons from cities like San Francisco, Denver, Los Angeles, and others, who are now dealing with the consequences of their inaction,” Garrison emphasized, standing beside the governor. “While this bill won’t completely eradicate homelessness, it represents a small step in the right direction.”
Florida is a state that values its public spaces and is committed to preserving them. We believe that the status quo is not acceptable and that action is necessary. Choosing to protect our public spaces is the right thing to do.
The House approved the bill with a vote of 82-26 on March 1, while the Senate passed it with a vote of 27-12 on March 5.
According to State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, the bill poses significant challenges for local governments in tackling the homelessness crisis in our state.
According to Eskamani, the current crisis is exacerbating the challenges faced by local governments, rather than empowering them to respond effectively. She expressed concern that the provisions outlined in the bill would only further marginalize individuals experiencing homelessness, preventing them from accessing the necessary assistance and support.
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