Economy

Florida lawmakers vote to ban public camping in homelessness crackdown

Supporters said it was necessary to avoid the fate of San Francisco.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla., about legislation being considered to ban homeless camps on public property. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Florida lawmakers on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation that will bar camping or sleeping in public in what supporters called an effort to crack down on the growing epidemic of homelessness that has been on the rise in recent years.

The Senate passed the measure, HB 1365, in a 27-12 party-line vote, after the House passed it Friday. The bill is a priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who has said he will sign it once it lands on his desk.

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