As of January 1st, anyone has the power to sue their local government for allowing people to sleep in the streets, or on public property. Governor, Ron DeSantis, signed the law in March of last year.
Residents and businesses now have the tight to document and sue their local governments in instances of people sleeping on public property, as it is now a violation of the law to allow this.
The aim is to hold local municipals to address the issue of homelessness and keep residents safe.
Many Orlando locals find this new law controversial, as there are more people experiencing homelessness than there are shelter beds in the community.
Eric Gray, CEO of the Christian Service Center, says, “Since it’s illegal for you to camp on someone’s private property and now it’s illegal for you to camp on public property, there’s literally nowhere for you to go”
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It is not uncommon to see unhoused people sleeping in public around Orlando. The city of Orlando’s website says “homelessness in Orange County increased by 23% in 2024 due to a combination of the lack of affordable housing and the widening gap between income and housing costs.”
That’s why the city of Orlando says they have been preparing for this law to go into affect by creating a plan to help support those experiencing homelessness.
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The Accelerate Orlando Initiative is utilizing $58 million in American Rescue Plan Act federal funds to overcome homelessness and affordable housing.
Orlando Police Department created a Homeless Intervention Unit to patrol the city. OPD said since the unit was created, less than 2 percent of their interactions have resulted in arrests.
Almost $4.5 million a year is donated to agencies to support programs that provide emergency shelter, housing and other services to those who are struggling.
We may see lawsuits as early as January 6th, as the law requires plaintiffs to give local governments 5 days to address the violation.
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