PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A bill on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk would keep Florida’s cities and counties from allowing people to sleep in public parks and on streets.

The bill urges municipalities to pick an area of public property and designate it be used for camping and sleeping. That area must have operable restrooms, access to running water, and bans on drug and alcohol use.

If a county has financial constraints and complying would create financial hardship it is exempt from the requirements, the bill states.

What You Need To Know

  • Bill would restrict people from sleeping in public parks, streets

  • Municipalities are urged to designate specific area where public camping and sleeping is allowed 

  • Bill outlines that running water, restrooms must be available at the designated camping area 

  • Deadline for governor to sign bill is March 27 

  • CS/HB 1365: Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping

The bill clarifies that the location of the designated public property must be approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families and can be used for up to one year.

DeSantis has publicly stated his support for the bill saying it would make Florida’s streets cleaner and safer.

Local organizations and volunteers who help those who are homeless worry about the potential influx of those seeking services, should the bill be signed into law.

“I think it’s pretty obvious that there’s going to be an influx of homeless people needing a place to go,” said Joe Pondolfino, director of Pinellas Hope. “I’m just as curious as anybody else to see what the ramifications are.”

Pinellas Hope is a program supported by Catholic Charities that provides those who are homeless a place to sleep, as well as meals and multiple services to help get them back on their feet. The Clearwater property has a mix of cottages, small apartments and tents on pallets for people to stay in.

Pondolfino says they are currently at maximum capacity with 230 people. On Tuesday, they took in 19 new people. That was the same day CS/HB 1365 landed on DeSantis’ desk.

“There’s going to be more people seeking services, I’m sure of that,” Pondolfino said. “If they are moving people off the streets, if they’re moving people out of the parks, they are going to have to put them somewhere and we’re glad to help, but we need support.”

Pondolfino says with more funding, there could be help more people.

“Homelessness is an issue,” he said. “So if this spurs more conversation and more results and more funding, then I’m all for that. I’ll be watching just like everybody else to see how it will be enforced.”

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says while it’s a new bill and has not been signed by the governor, they support the concept of the legislation and look forward to working with the cities and county to make sure that the law is properly followed.

The deadline for Gov. DeSantis to sign the legislation is March 27.

If passed, it will take effect on Oct. 1.