Legislature Takes Strong Action on Homeless "Squatters"

By an 82-26 margin in the Florida House and a 27-12 margin in the U.S. Senate---the Florida legislature has officially passed tough, new restrictions on those who "squat" on public property.  The law will now head to Governor DeSantis' office--where it is widely anticipated he will sign it into law---as he has signaled this as a priority.  HB 1365 gives the roadmap, what is allowed, and what is unlawful for us to do.

This law, in some respects, pre-empts local governments in the homeless space by making it unlawful for persons to "camp" on public lands without authorization from a local government.  It also specifies that nearby affected citizens can sue the local governments if such governments fail to act on this law and tacitly allow such camping via inaction.

It really is a "no-brainer"---and it needed to happen.

Citizens are fed up and disgusted with what we see on our streets, and this legislation answers their collective angst over this activity all over the state.

The law requires local municipalites to remove unauthorized squatters, and provides a mechanism for such local governments to set aside public spaces for homeless folks to camp---provided such locations have security, sanitation provisions, provisions for mental health, job training, and other social services---and that such areas are cleared to operate by the state's Department of Children and Families.

The bill, upon being signed, goes into effect on October 1st of this year.

Although I am a local control guy----I do get it that sometimes the legislature will step over our authority and pre-empt us when a situation is not appropriately being handled by locals statewide.

This is an instance of that.

Interestingly---I lobbied my counterparts and staff STRENUOUSLY on this matter two and a half years ago after my office was inundated with citizen complaints on homeless blight, illegal conduct, litter, standing in roadways and causing distractions at intersections and theft.  Isaid to scale up the Satoshi Forest concept would be cost effective, would provide the unhoused with better, more sanitary and safe living spaces and mental health and other services, and improve our communities.

At that time, I suggested we identify a public property WAY OUT IN THE WOODS where we could provide a safe, secure, clean area for campers and where we could bring services to them while simulataneously keeping these homeless activities out of established neighborhoods.

Even the middle school students from CLA thought a homeless camping area----away from established neighborhoods (minute 13 of this video)----was the way to go!

Unfortunately--I did not receive support for the idea then.  It was essentially pooh-poohed.

But now a law has been passed that essentially URGES we do just what I and the students suggested years ago--with the State's blessing!

So maybe it is time to re-visit the concept once more and see where it goes now?

Because between what we have enacted with the roadway ordinance and now this state law--I do believe we can make some significant headway on this issue