Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida is set to enact a spate of new laws starting October 1, prompted by legislative decisions aimed at addressing issues from homelessness to homebuyer disclosures. Among the 34 laws to be implemented, a particularly controversial measure aims to restrict where homeless individuals can establish encampments, sparking debate across communities.
The law, known as House Bill 1365, prohibits local governments from allowing homeless encampments on public properties like public buildings and rights of way, albeit allowing designated areas for sleeping. This significant move aligns with similar actions taken by other states following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld an ordinance in Oregon, compelling cities to address public camping concerns actively.
Florida House bill sponsor Sam Garrison highlighted the proactive nature of this law, emphasizing the state’s commitment to addressing homelessness directly rather than opting for “comfortable inaction.” This legislation also includes a provision effective January 1 where residents and business owners can legally challenge local governments that permit public encampments, potentially leading to civil lawsuits.
The implementation of this law has led cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Miami-Dade County to accelerate their efforts to comply. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis expressed concerns over the heavy burden this state mandate imposes, despite the city’s efforts to double their homeless outreach initiatives. Miami-Dade is considering innovative solutions like tiny houses managed by the Homeless Trust to provide emergency accommodations and mitigate the impact on local jails.
Jacksonville has responded with a comprehensive $13.6 million plan which includes appointing a dedicated official in the mayor’s office to address homelessness, expanding outreach teams, and increasing shelter bed availability. Mayor Donna Deegan emphasized the dual focus of the initiative, saying it aims not only to reduce street homelessness but also to help affected individuals reintegrate into society as productive members.
Additionally, Florida will see a range of other laws take effect, such as HB 403 which introduces various new license plates including a “Margaritaville” plate celebrating Jimmy Buffett to raise funds for the SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc. Another notable law, HB 1049, mandates that sellers disclose to homebuyers any prior flood damage to properties and clarify that standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Other legislative introductions include enhancements to criminal penalties regarding fentanyl possession, updated requirements for the transfer of sexual assault evidence kits to law enforcement, and stringent policies regarding immigrants and digital voyeurism.
These new statutes reflect an array of interests and concerns at the state level, illustrating the legislature’s extensive agenda this session. As these laws take effect, they are anticipated to foster significant changes in policy enforcement and community dynamics within Florida, marking a new chapter in the state’s legislative history.