Florida Bans Unauthorized Camping In Public Spaces

With a new law signed on March 20, 2024, Florida banned unauthorized camping in public spaces, such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. Starting October 1, 2024, individuals found camping will be placed in temporary shelters monitored by law enforcement agencies. Drug use will not be permitted at homeless shelters, and the shelters will have on-site mental health and addiction treatment. The legislation, Florida House Bill 1365, has enforcement tools that the state will use to ensure that local governments comply with the ban on public camping.

In the event that homeless shelters are at maximum capacity, the Florida Department . . .