In a move to align with a new state mandate, both the city of Kissimmee and Orange County have passed no-camping ordinances to address homelessness issues. Kissimmee's ordinance was approved with a 4-1 vote, while Orange County's measure passed 5-2, as reported by a ClickOrlando article. Officials assert that these motions are strides to act by House Bill 1365, enforcing a prohibition on sleeping or camping on public property.
The bill, which has recently taken effect, allows public members, including business owners, to sue local governments should they fail to effectively remove individuals from public property within five days after a complaint is logged. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings emphasized that arresting individuals would be done only as a last resort, stating, "In order to get some of these individuals off the streets, you have to address the underlying issues, such as mental illness and substance abuse," as he stated, as per ClickOrlando. The county plans to install an online portal alongside a 3-1-1 hotline to allow residents to file complaints.
Mirroring the concerns of local officials about the long-term nature of homelessness, the measures have sparked impassioned responses during public comment sessions. "This is not incarceration," Orange County District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe defended, explaining that arrests are to be considered an approach of "last resort," a point she emphasized according to FOX 35 Orlando. Meanwhile, critics of the ordinances, like Eric Gray of the Christian Service Center for the Homeless, expressed disappointment but not surprise at the measures underway, urging local leaders "just look at the methods to navigate the state law with compassion, rehabilitation and ensure justice for all."
Under these ordinances, violators in Kissimmee could face fines of up to $50 for an initial offense, escalating to upwards of $900 after repeated offenses within one year. Both jurisdictions' local law enforcement agencies have committed to addressing homelessness by connecting people to the resources they need before resorting to fines or incarceration.
