Florida’s House Bill 1365 was designed to address various urban issues, aiming to increase public safety and community well-being.
Signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 20, 2024, the bill attempts to provide solutions to ensure that individuals who experience homelessness have access to resources. Even though HB 1365 was introduced to address various urban issues, it has mistakenly led to significant challenges for the homeless population in Florida.
“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,” DeSantis said after signing HB 1365. “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.”
HB 1365’s primary objectives include increasing funding for affordable housing, expanding access to mental health and abuse services, and creating job training programs. The bill also brings forth the collaboration between state agencies, local governments and nonprofit organizations to provide services and reduce barriers. However, among these objectives are stricter regulations on loitering, increased penalties for certain misdemeanors, and enhanced law enforcement authority in designated areas. While these measures aim to create a safe and clean environment, they have unintentionally impacted the homeless by limiting their access to public spaces and increasing their interaction with law enforcement. These provisions fail to account for the unique circumstances faced by individuals without stable housing even though they were well-intentioned.
Since the bill has been in effect, reports and statistics indicate an increase in the challenges faced by the homeless population. According to the Miami Herald, more than 40% of the people arrested in Miami-Dade County in 2024 were homeless.
“We’ll give them a warning and 90% of the time that’s all it takes. However, if they don’t leave, a civil citation will be issued to them, but if they get caught a second time or more than that it can become criminal,” said Pensacola Police Officer Mike Wood.
Additionally, shelters and support services have reported a rise in demand from 2024 to 2025 for the homeless population seeking refuge from the harsh restrictions. These places, such as the Capital City of Youth Services (CCYS) and the Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola, have highlighted the difficulties in finding housing for the homeless population.
“We’re seeing numbers around 130 to 140 per night in the last few days which is incredibly high for shelter,” said Jason Grizzard, the vice president of ministry services at Waterfront Rescue Mission.
Support organizations have reported feeling marginalized and targeted by government officials, as the bill’s enforcement has often disrupted their daily lives. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns over the lack of consideration for the homeless in the bill’s objectives, emphasizing that the increased policing and restrictions worsen the struggles of those living on the streets. These concerned groups call for the officials to have a more compassionate approach that addresses the causes of homelessness rather than punishing them for being homeless.
“All of our beds have been full since the beginning of this year, but we have resources here that are provided to those in need such as clothing and food,” said one of the representatives at CCYS who asked to remain anonymous.
A further look into the bill reveals potential errors during its initial drafting process, particularly regarding the needs of the homeless population. The bill appears to have been developed focusing on immediate urban improvements, overlooking the bigger picture for vulnerable groups and their social involvement. By not incorporating input or suggestions from homelessness experts and officials with the Florida Department of Children and Families or considering alternatives, the legislation unintentionally heightens the existing issues rather than providing sustainable support, according to the bill’s detractors.
This highlights the importance of being inclusive when making policies to ensure the needs of all community people.
While HB 1365 was created with the intent of increasing public safety and a clean environment, it has had a negative impact on the homeless population, according to experts.