Governor Ron DeSantis signed a controversial bill that bans homeless people from sleeping in public spaces and prevents local governments from interfering.
DeSantis signed the bill during a press conference in Miami Beach.
HB 1365 prohibits counties or municipalities from allowing people to camp or sleep on public property. Instead, it authorizes counties to designate specific areas for homeless encampments that cannot exceed one year.
“Florida will not allow homeless encampments to invade its citizens or undermine their quality of life as we see in states like New York and California,” DeSantis said. “The legislation I signed today upholds our commitment to law and order while ensuring that homeless individuals have the resources they need to recover.”
Joining DeSantis at the bill-signing ceremony were Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Republican from Palm Coast.
The law, which takes effect on October 1, exposes cities and counties to civil liability if they fail to ensure that homeless individuals sleep in state-approved special sites. These areas must include restrooms, running water, security, medical care, and prohibitions on drugs and alcohol, among other requirements.
While the legislation does not include penalties for homeless individuals, critics suggest that local governments would need to create them to ensure compliance. They also argue that this is a cruel and costly way to address homelessness in the state.
Republican supporters said they are trying to leverage and consolidate community resources in accessible areas. They also claim it will ensure that public spaces are safer and cleaner.
Image: Wflx
