DeSantis Signs New Bill to Clean up Florida's Homelessness Problem

This week, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed HB 1365, a bill aimed to address homelessness and to clean up Florida's streets.

This legislation will mandate that homeless individuals receive the mental health and drug addiction services they need while residing in a designated location off our public streets, prioritizing public safety.

"Florida will not allow homeless encampments to intrude on its citizens or undermine their quality of life like we see in states like New York and California," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "The legislation I signed today upholds our commitment to law and order while also ensuring homeless individuals have the resources they need to get back on their feet."

Key features of HB 1365 will:

• Homeless individuals are prohibited from camping on city streets, sidewalks, and parks—and instead placed in temporary shelters monitored by law enforcement agencies.
• The state of Florida has the enforcement tools needed to ensure local governments comply.
• Homeless shelters will require occupants to not use drugs.
• These shelters will also include substance abuse and mental health treatments.

HB 1365 also provides strategies for when homeless shelters have reached max capacity.  The Department of Children and Families will be made to designate temporary campsites while maintaining sanitation, provide access to substance abuse and mental health treatment resources, and prohibit illicit substance and alcohol usage at these sites.