The Florida House has passed a bill aimed at preventing homeless individuals from sleeping in public spaces. The decision, made by an 82-26 vote, reflects a significant legislative step towards addressing homelessness.
The bill, supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, seeks to offer a structured approach to the state’s homelessness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean and orderly public spaces.
Governor DeSantis has expressed his support for the bill, stating it is a measure to “combat homelessness and keep Florida’s streets clean.”
DeSantis highlighted the need to avoid scenarios seen in other major cities like San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to address homelessness effectively within Florida.
Fox News reports that the bill, HB 1365, was passed with substantial support in the House and is now being considered by the Florida Senate.
It reflects a broader initiative to address the visible aspects of homelessness, with a particular focus on preventing the use of public spaces for sleeping or camping by homeless individuals.
Under the new bill, residents and business owners will have the opportunity to challenge local government decisions regarding homelessness.
This provision aims to empower local stakeholders to have a say in how homelessness is managed in their communities, providing a direct avenue for expressing concerns and seeking resolutions.
A 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates a concerning trend: homelessness has reached a new national record, with Florida playing a significant part in this increase.
The spike in unsheltered individuals within the state has contributed to these rising numbers. Notably, more than half of all Americans facing homelessness, whether sheltered or unsheltered, are in just four states, with Florida alone accounting for over 5% of the national total.
Representative Sam Garrison, a key proponent of the bill, stated on the House floor that the legislation “isn’t going to eliminate homelessness,” but is a step towards addressing the issue more effectively.
Garrison emphasized that the bill is intended to offer constructive solutions, saying “this is not a bill designed to put people out of sight, out of mind. It’s quite the opposite.”
