A bill passed by Florida House lawmakers on Friday prohibits homeless people from sleeping in public and requires local governments to fund homeless camps.
82-26 was the close vote in the Republican-controlled House for House Bill 1365. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis supports the legislation as a way to “combat homelessness and keep Florida’s streets clean.”
The bill would bar cities and counties from allowing people to sleep on public property, including at public buildings and in public rights of way. The proposal would also allow local governments to designate certain areas for sleeping or camping if the locations meet standards established by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
These designated areas would have to include restrooms and running water, security and be alcohol- and drug-free. The sites, which could only be used for a year, must also not harm the safety or value of nearby properties.