DeSantis Backs Bills Requiring Florida Cities To Ban Public Camping

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has endorsed bills that would require cities in the state to ban public camping. During a news conference in Miami Beach, DeSantis expressed support for the legislation, although he noted that it may still be in the process of being finalized. The bills, House Bill 1365 and Senate Bill 1530, would give local governments the ability to establish permanent encampments with requirements for security, clean restrooms, water, and mental health services.

Additionally, the public would have the ability to sue cities and counties that do not clear people sleeping on sidewalks and in parks.

DeSantis acknowledged that the legislation may not be complete, stating, "I'm confident we're going to get a really strong product that is going to have really strong protections for the people of the State of Florida." Despite opposition from some advocates for the homeless, the legislation is moving forward, with the Senate Judiciary Committee approving the bill 8-1 and a House hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

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Florida school districts could opt to allow volunteer chaplains in schools under a bill approved Tuesday by a Senate committee.

Publisher: NBC 6 South Florida

Twitter: @nbc6

Origin: Florida bill would allow volunteer chaplains in public schools – NBC 6 South Florida

Remarks on: DeSantis Backs Bills Requiring Florida Cities To Ban Public Camping

As a talk show host, I am excited to discuss the recent developments in Florida regarding the bills that aim to require cities to ban public camping. The legislation, endorsed by Governor DeSantis, aims to provide permanent encampments with security, clean restrooms, water, and mental health services. Additionally, the public will have the ability to sue cities and counties that do not clear people sleeping on sidewalks and in parks.

While the legislation has drawn opposition from some advocates for the homeless, it is clear that the issue of homelessness is a pressing one in Florida, with a 75% increase in homelessness in Orlando since 2019 and a 12% increase nationwide last year. Experts attribute the steep housing costs in Central Florida, where median rents have increased $459 in the past four years, as a major factor in the increase in homelessness.

The "housing first" approach to combatting homelessness, which seeks to place people in permanent housing rather than temporary shelter, is endorsed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.