Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis passed the “anti-homeless law” on Wednesday, Oct. 2 which prohibits homeless individuals from sleeping in public places. 

The law was created in efforts to keep homeless people off of the streets, not only for them but the public as well. 

“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,” Gov.Desantis said in a news release on Oct. 2. 

Anyone found breaking this law will be taken to a homeless shelter, where they can receive help with any mental health and/or substance abuse issues they may be struggling with.

“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,” Desantis said. 

$30 million has been budgeted to the state of Florida for this new law, with each county receiving $600,000 to go toward funding the law.

Every county in Florida has until Jan. 1st, 2025 to designate a place for homeless people to sleep overnight then Jan. 1st, businesses and or citizens have the right to file lawsuits against homeless people.

“That new state law, which passed the state House of Representatives as House Bill 1365, drew criticism from advocates for the homeless, who argued that it criminalized homelessness and gave cities permission to push homeless people out of public view,” The Palm Beach Post, said. 

This new law allows for the government to build campsites for homeless individuals to stay, where they are provided with running water and clean restrooms. 

Many believe that taking people out of public view manually is unconstitutional and that it could be handled differently. 

“In Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6–3 decision that fining and arresting homeless people does not violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment,” Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association, said. 

Safety is the biggest concern with this new law, not only for homeless individuals but also for the public. The new law is supposed to help in keeping both the homeless and the public more safe. 

“This bill allows us to take a major step forward by providing a framework for these groups to more efficiently, safely, meaningfully, and effectively serve our neighbors. Further, it returns our parks, sidewalks, and public spaces to their intended uses for all to enjoy,”  Senator Jonathan Martin, said.