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January 1, Florida Cracks Down on Homelessness With Controversial New Law
A new Florida law aimed at addressing the state’s homelessness crisis took effect on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in how local governments handle the issue.
House Bill 1365 bans camping on streets, sidewalks, and in public parks, requiring local authorities to step up and offer temporary housing. In a win for public safety, these shelters will be drug-free, and individuals will be provided substance abuse and mental health services. Governor Ron DeSantis, a staunch Republican, championed the new law as “absolutely the right balance to strike,” emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing public safety.
A compelling element of the law is the provision allowing citizens to sue counties that fail to enforce the public sleeping ban. However, there’s a three-month grace period before legal actions can commence. Meanwhile, the immediate effect of the ban tackles the visual and safety concerns posed by roughly 31,000 homeless individuals across Florida.
Yet, some like Mildred Forti, who has been homeless with her husband for several months, criticized the law, claiming it forces them to relocate yet again. “This is another stupid law,” she lamented to CBS News Miami, reflecting a sentiment that counters the concerns of many residents and business owners who seek to reclaim public spaces.
Ron Book, chair of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, detailed ongoing efforts to expand shelter and housing availability. By the end of the year, a new navigation center will open, offering a transitional option for those in need. Furthermore, plans are underway to convert the La Quinta Hotel in Cutler Bay into housing for low-income seniors by December 2024. Additional construction includes an 8-unit building in Overtown and 190 single-occupancy units for men near Krome. Even more, 80 new shelter beds are expected within the next 30 days.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony took to social media to clarify that “Homelessness is not a crime.” Local governments are allowed to offer county-owned land for temporary use, provided it remains clean, free of crime, and equipped with necessary amenities like showers and mental health services. To gain approval, counties must demonstrate a lack of available shelter beds and ensure the camp won’t negatively impact property values or the safety and security of nearby homes and businesses.
This bold legislative move by Governor DeSantis and Florida’s lawmakers is a crucial step towards restoring public order while extending a compassionate hand to those in dire need. The law not only ensures safety and cleanliness but also extends critical support services to help homeless individuals get back on their feet.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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Steven
October 6, 2024 at 6:43 am
Yet, some like Mildred Forti, who has been homeless with her husband for several months, criticized the law, claiming it forces them to relocate yet again.
She is literally saying she WANTS to remain homeless. Being given a home would require relocating.
John
October 6, 2024 at 8:11 am
Excuse me but how long will we have relocating land before it’s gone? Gavin Newsom is trying to do the same thing in California. The main problem is these people don’t take of anything they ever had let alone a proper place to stay. Sorry but how does does a cardboard box get totally dilapidated put a homeless in it for a month. Yes what to do; sorry do what these bottom feeding liberals have done,show the world how fast they can move woke property’s as fast as disposable housing can be found. So what to be done,might as well keep clearing area’s that they can be ping ponged back and forth until people stop paying taxes on crap that was started by democratic bottom feeders. Take a good hard look at whats going on at the boarder before you take on cleaning up the city’s.
Jerry J Davis
October 6, 2024 at 8:40 am
With the high prices of everything ( including rent) how do you expect the people that draw a small check to even begin to get back on their feet.
Janet Colbert
October 6, 2024 at 8:16 am
I am glad Florida is doing something positive. Many homeless are mentally ill perhaps the woman above. They may respond well to services. Not all are there by choice but deserve to be treated with respect and perhaps they can with a little help lead a productive life. 🙏🙏🇺🇸
don
October 6, 2024 at 10:46 am
This law was long overdue. I especially like the part where citizens can sue counties for noncompliance
DORIS ANN BROWN
October 6, 2024 at 11:14 am
wouldn’t be homeless if harris thought of citizens instead of illegal gangs around the world. illegals are in hotels with debit cards.
KR
October 6, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Doesn’t all the tents and encampments in public areas deter tourists from visiting those cities? That has to cut into the businesses nearby.
betty oeschger
October 6, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Send to Blue States Harris and Biden They want them .
Liz
October 6, 2024 at 8:27 pm
The whole country is over run with illegals. Send the bill to Joe Biden/Kamala Harrris. Not the United State – Joe isn’t doing anything any way so why not make him pay. After all he’s had enough vacations to last 48 years. THAT IS NOT A JOKE. IT’S A FACT.