Ron DeSantis signs law banning Florida's homeless from sleeping in public places

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law that bans homeless people from sleeping on sidewalks, in parks and other public spaces.

The law, signed on Wednesday and set the take effect on October 1, allows counties to designate temporary campsites for homeless people to use instead.

Those staying at the encampments are prohibited from drinking or doing drugs. 

The state Department of Children and Families will oversee local governments that set up the designated areas and requires sanitation and security to be provided. 

'It will help maintain and ensure that Florida streets are clean and that Florida streets are safe for our residents,' DeSantis said at the bill signing.

'This legislation prohibits camping on city streets, sidewalks and parks. It creates state enforcement tools to ensure that local governments comply with this law, and it ensures that localities utilize the resources of homeless shelters.' 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law that bans homeless people from sleeping in public places

The law will require local governments to set up homeless encampments once they have run out of shelter place. Pictured: a homeless man sleeping in a Miami park in 2022

In January 2025, people will be allowed to sue local governments that allow homeless people to sleep in public places. Pictured: a homeless person in Miami on June 26, 2023

From January 2025,  residents, local business owners and the state attorney general will be able to file a lawsuit to stop any city or county from allowing homeless to camp or sleep on public property. 

'This bill will not eliminate homelessness. But it is a start, and it states clearly that in Florida, our public spaces are worth fighting for,' said Republican state Rep. Sam Garrison.

Republican state Senator Jonathan Martin said: 'This bill allows us to take a major step forward by providing a framework for these groups to more efficiently, safely, meaningfully, and effectively serve our neighbors. 

'Further, it returns our parks, sidewalks, and public spaces to their intended uses for all to enjoy.'

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said in the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report that on a single night in January 2023, 30,756 people were experiencing homelessness in Florida.

More than half of all people experiencing homelessness in the country were in four states: California, New York, Florida and Washington. 

The Sunshine State saw an 18.5 percent increase in its homeless population from 2022 to 2023. 

Opponents of the law said it is meant to round up the homeless and hide them from public view.

'This bill does not and it will not address the more pressing and root cause of homelessness,' said Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones during a debate this year.

'We are literally reshuffling the visibility of unhoused individuals with no exit strategy for people who are experiencing homelessness.'

On a single night in January 2023, 30,756 people were experiencing homelessness in Florida. Pictured: homeless people camp on a street in Miami on June 26, 2023

Critics say the law said it is meant to round up the homeless and hide them from public view. Pictured: a Miami homeless encampment in 2021

Vickie Eichelberger, a homeless person, told News4Jax: 'If you’re going to ban it, then why don’t you take some of these abandoned buildings sitting around here and make them homeless places?'

Another homeless person, Ryan Scott, said: 'Now, Florida wants you off the streets, but they are not trying to get you off the streets if you don’t have access to funds.'

DeSantis, however, said the new law is a unique approach in pledging to provide the services that homeless people often need.

The governor said on Twitter: 'The lawlessness seen in “progressive” cities—sprawling encampments, open-air drug markets, and homeless people endangering themselves and others—is entirely preventable.'

'We won’t stand for it in Florida, and our action today is one of many steps we’re taking to keep our cities clean and safe for everyone.'