Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a plan he is working on with the Florida Legislature to combat homelessness across the state during Florida’s Legislative Session.
“We cannot allow any city in Florida to become like San Francisco, where homelessness, drugs, and crime have decimated the quality of life, hurt the economy, and eroded freedom,” DeSantis said. “In Florida we will continue to enact policies that promote accountability and community safety, unlike in California where they are promoting dangerous policies that harm their communities and economy.”
According to DeSantis, the proposal includes:
- Prohibiting camping on city streets, sidewalks, and parks.
- Creating state enforcement tools to ensure local governments comply.
- Increasing funding for homeless shelters, while requiring occupants to not use drugs and utilize workforce services.
- Increasing funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida is safer than ever before and this legislative proposal will help us stay that way,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “This legislation will make all citizens safer by keeping our streets clean. Once again, Florida is a national leader.”
DeSantis contrasted the proposed policies to states and cities run by Democratic Governors and Mayors. The governor’s office referenced the map below, which shows the top 10 cities for homeless population nationwide:
