FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — At dawn on Tuesday, Robert Robinson awoke on the sidewalk outside Fort Lauderdale’s bus depot, unknowingly violating Florida’s new law targeting homelessness. The law, which took effect on Tuesday, bans sleeping in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, and beaches, making it one of the strictest anti-homelessness measures in the U.S.
“Where are they going to put all these people?” asked Robinson, 61, a former fence installer who now uses a wheelchair to transport his belongings. Despite limited shelter space, he and other homeless individuals face an uncertain future under the new law.
Strict Deadlines for Local Governments
Cities and counties across Florida have just three months to comply with the law, which requires municipalities to develop ordinances to remove homeless individuals from public spaces. Starting January 1, 2024, residents, businesses, and even the state will be able to sue municipalities if they believe local governments are not doing enough to address homelessness.
Florida’s estimated 31,000 homeless residents are far fewer than those in California or New York, but state lawmakers argue the law is necessary. Supporters cite public complaints about the homeless taking over parks and sidewalks, leaving behind trash, and engaging in public urination.
Concerns Over Implementation
Gov. Ron DeSantis hailed the new law as a necessary measure to balance public safety concerns. However, local officials are concerned about the potential for lawsuits, which could divert funds away from homelessness programs. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis warned that legal challenges could cost municipalities millions, funds that could otherwise be used to address the problem directly.
The state has set aside $30 million to help municipalities implement the law and provide services like mental health care and substance abuse treatment for the homeless. However, local leaders argue this amount is insufficient, with the largest county allocations amounting to only $600,000.
Challenges in South Florida
With about 8,500 homeless individuals across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, local governments are scrambling for solutions. Broward County, for example, has only 700 shelter beds, many of which are full, leaving hundreds of people waiting for housing.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony has made it clear that his deputies will not arrest individuals solely for being homeless, stating, “Homelessness is not a crime, and the county jail system is not a solution.”
Local governments are exploring various options, from converting abandoned buildings into shelters to purchasing prefabricated housing. Miami-Dade recently converted an abandoned hotel to house elderly homeless people and is considering purchasing 175 small, prefabricated homes. Palm Beach County, meanwhile, may designate parking lots for overnight use by people living in their cars.
Advocacy and Concerns
Critics of the law, including the TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, argue that it is overly focused on the minority of homeless individuals struggling with substance abuse. Jacob Torner, the organization’s vice president, emphasized that many homeless people are victims of domestic violence, veterans, or elderly individuals who cannot afford housing.
Torner fears that the new law will only make it harder for these individuals to seek services, as they become more fearful of authorities. Erica Dorsett, the group’s program administrator, echoed these concerns while checking on homeless individuals in Fort Lauderdale. She noted that despite offering assistance, the lack of housing and shelter beds limits what her group can do.
“We can get them to the door, do everything for them, but then our hands are tied,” Dorsett said
