A new law in Florida bans people struggling with homelessness from sleeping outside

MIAMI — A new law that takes effect Tuesday will impact thousands of people struggling with homelessness across Florida.

House Bill 1365 bans camping on streets, sidewalks and in parks. Cities and counties are required to provide temporary housing where homeless people can receive drug and mental health treatment.

CBS News Miami spoke with several people living on the streets of Miami.

Mildred Forti, 43, said she and her husband Miguel Santiago have been homeless in Miami for several months.

“Just like we camp out in public because we can’t find an apartment because the money he earns from his job is no longer enough for us,” Forti said. “This is another stupid law. We will move again and find a new place.”

Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, told CBS News Miami: “If you sleep in parks, on sidewalks or anywhere outdoors, starting tomorrow you are breaking the law.”

“We are working feverishly to create more shelter and accommodation options,” Book added. “We're looking at setting up a navigation center that's a step below what a normal shelter is, if you will. We hope to have it operational by the end of the year.”

He also said they plan to accommodate over 140 people in rental units at the La Quinta Hotel before December 31, 2024. Book was referring to plans to convert the La Quinta Hotel in Cutler Bay into housing for low-income seniors.

“We are building an eight-unit building in Overtown and 190 single-unit men's housing near Krome,” Book said. “We have also identified 80 additional beds for another animal shelter in the next 30 days.”

Book, who has worked with the homeless for decades, said he is committed to helping those in need.

He noted that there are 1,033 people living on the streets in Miami-Dade County, including 2,760 in shelters. There are currently 750 residents homeless in Fort Lauderdale.

Broward County and Fort Lauderdale are considering building pallet homes. Fort Lauderdale is also expanding its outreach staff to direct people to programs and permanent housing.

A key question is how law enforcement will enforce the new law.

Miami-Dade police told CBS News Miami they are waiting for information from their legal team. Miami police said they would encourage people to go to shelters and use city resources. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale police said they have established a homeless outreach team and a neighborhood support office to connect individuals with resources.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony has been vocal on this issue. In a social media post, he said: “Homelessness is not a crime and BSO is not the solution.”