DeSantis outlaws Florida’s unhoused people from sleeping in public spaces as similar laws spread across US

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a law that bans people experiencing homelessness from sleeping in public spaces overnight, a measure that follows a wave of similar legislation across the US targeting unhoused people.

Florida’s bill, which opponents have warned does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness or provide longer-term solutions, prohibits “public camping or sleeping” – including the presence of “bedding or pillows” – on “any” public property, such as public parks.

Instead, the law directs local governments to open “temporary campsites” if shelters have reached capacity. It goes into effect in October.

At a press conference announcing the law on Wednesday, Mr DeSantis underscored that the measure is about “law and order” and intended to improve the quality of life for other people.

“You should not be accosted by a homeless like we see,” he said. “You should be able to walk down the street and live your life.”

In a statement announcing the measure, he said the law would not allow “homeless encampments to intrude on its citizens or undermine their quality of life.”

The legislation also requires local designate specific sites for outdoor sleeping, while offering behavioral health services and bathrooms with running water. If they don’t, the law allows businesses and residents to sue.

Martha Are, executive director of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, has argued that the law could unnecessarily expose local governments to costly lawsuits if they don’t have enough funding to operate such shelters.

“If a city or county can’t afford to provide such a place – and the expense to do so statewide would add up more than the entire state budget for homelessness – the bills enable any person