Florida: New Law Prohibits Homeless People From Sleeping In Public Spaces
Reforms Target Public Safety & Homelessness
Florida began enforcing a new law on Tuesday that blocks homeless people from sleeping in public outdoor spaces such as streets, sidewalks and parks. House Bill 1365 — which California Gov.
What the Law Entails
The law bans homeless camping and sleeping in public places under House Bill 1365. Local governments must provide temporary housing that includes a restraining order on drug use and access to addiction counseling services.
Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has backed the legislation, describing it as an “important issue” that protects public safety. — Governor Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 1, 2020″We want to do it right, we want to make sure we put public safety above all else,” he said.
Grace Period for Counties
The law also contains a three-month grace period during which individuals may not sue counties for failing to enforce the ban. Crossing the 45-day no-enforcement deadline, citizens will then have the ability to sue local governments not following the law.
Homeless Population of Florida
Florida — About 31,000 people are homeless in the Sunshine state Many will find the new law a difficult pill to swallow. Mildred Forti, who has been living in the streets of Miami for months, was frustrated. She tweeted, and told CBS News Miami, “This is another stupid law.” We will be on the move once more and we have to start hunting anew.
Strategies to Address the Housing Crisis
But Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, said hiring additional staff would do little to address the housing shortage. The group is in the process of establishing a “navigation center,” which would serve as an alternative to conventional shelters. The center will be up and operating by the end of 2021.
Book also said he hopes to redevelop the La Quinta Hotel in Cutler Bay as low-income senior housing. Elsewhere, the group is building two 8-plexes and 190 extremely low-priced single men’s units near Krome while also targeting another 80 beds for a second shelter.
Law Enforcement’s Approach
The new law is an emphasis for law enforcement agencies like the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to educate homeless individuals. Sheriff T.K Waters says people tourist who feast on the beach have to go, they will get warnings before real enforcement action is taken. “We are dealing with human beings who were in very stressful circumstances,” Waters said, emphasizing the need to balance compassion with enforcing the law.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) is also creating a team to help place homeless people in permanent housing. If people decline services, and remain camping in public places then law enforcement will get involved.
Impact on Florida Cities
The legislation permits local governments to designate land owned by counties for homeless people to sleep on, provided that they keep it clean and safe. FEMHJs can only be given when a county demonstrates there are not enough available shelter beds, and that the camps will not depreciate surrounding property values or pose any security threat.
Jacksonville and others must comply with the new law or face legal action beginning Jan. 1.
Conclusion
Even though the goal of Florida’s new law is to bolster public safety measures and reduce homelessness, it has raised alarm with homeless people and their advocates. That is unlikely to be seen for some months, as local governments scramble to develop alternative housing and resources.