Homelessness

Unhoused people across Florida will no longer be able to sleep on public property beginning in October. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law recently prohibiting the practice. Municipalities will have to enforce or face possible lawsuits.

It's especially difficult for those on fixed incomes.

Local officials are trying to figure out how to help unhoused people after the approval of a new law that bans municipalities from allowing camping on public property.

The new law takes effect Oct. 1. The state Department of Children and Families would oversee local governments that set up designated areas for people to camp for up to a year.

They included a wide-ranging plan to expand access to health care, and a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social media.

Cities and counties in Florida would not be allowed to let unhoused people sleep on public property—but municipalities could set up designated public areas for camping. Many are calling it the bill cruel and unworkable as it heads to the governor's desk for consideration.

A local nonprofit is providing shelter and support to unhoused, unaccompanied youth. A graduate from the program speaks about his experience.

A nonprofit is providing shelter and support to unhoused, unaccompanied youth. A graduate from the program speaks about his experience.

The Florida House on Friday approved a controversial proposal that would prevent people from sleeping in public.

Leaders on local, state, and federal levels have been passing regulations against houselessness, and advocates have been pushing back.

Legislation backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that seeks to prevent unhoused people from sleeping in public places is ready to go to the full Senate and House.

The bill (SB 1530) would make it illegal to sleep or camp on public property without a permit. The proposal would authorize cities and counties to establish designated homeless camps where people could legally stay overnight.