Community Response to the Florida Homeless Camping Ban

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Jurisdictions are enacting legislation colloquially referred to as homeless camping bans which are local ordinances or regulations that prohibit individuals from residing or camping in public spaces, such as parks, sidewalks, or streets. These ordinances, which target individuals experiencing homelessness, are purported to address concerns about public health, safety, and aesthetics, as well as to manage the use of public spaces. However, these ordinances criminalize homelessness and exacerbate the already dire situation faced by those without stable housing. These bans can also make it harder for individuals to access support services and find permanent housing. The current research highlights how concerned stakeholders have responded to the recently enacted camping ban in Florida. Through participant observation, this research highlights efforts in Central Florida to respond to the law by erecting emergency shelters, increasing outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness to prevent arrests, and enacting outreach efforts to educate the public on the impacts of this law.

Author

• Amy Donley, University of Central Florida