Florida's Homelessness Law: Progress or Just a Shell Game?

Florida's Homelessness Law: Progress or Just a Shell Game?

In an evolving landscape marked by growing awareness of homelessness in Florida, the controversial Florida House Bill 1365 has made significant waves since its inception. Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in March 2024, this legislation seeks to tackle the issue of public camping and sleeping, sparking fierce debates among advocates and critics alike.

The law’s intent is straightforward: to restore public order while also providing support to unhoused individuals. As NewsBreak reports, it grants local governments the authority to clear public encampments and allows residents to sue municipalities failing to act on complaints within a five-day window. Yet, amid this push for perceived order, many wonder if this merely pushes the homeless population out of public view rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness.

The Numbers Game

Recent statistics paint a mixed picture of the situation. The Florida Department of Children and Families reported a 9% decrease in the total homeless population from last year, going from 31,362 homeless individuals in 2024 to 28,498 in 2025. Notably, Miami-Dade County recorded almost a 17% drop in those sleeping outdoors, while Brevard County also reported a modest reduction of 4.8% in homelessness.

However, behind these figures lies a more unsettling narrative. Critics assert the law has done little more than shove homeless individuals into shelters or simply out of the public eye, complicating outreach efforts. The 2025 Point-in-Time count for Central Florida revealed only a marginal increase of five homeless individuals compared to the previous year, following a massive spike of 23% from 2023 to 2024, indicating that the overall crisis isn’t as resolved as it may appear.

As Oviedo Community News outlines, thousands of residents across Central Florida still face homelessness daily. In practical terms, this has led municipalities like Orlando to announce the clearing of encampments, forcing many residents to vacate without viable, long-term solutions. The state’s homelessness rate per capita, while lower than other major states, still places Florida 24th overall in national rankings.

Implementing Change

Flanked by notable political figures, Governor DeSantis emphasized during the bill’s signing ceremony that Florida aims to address public safety concerning homelessness. He underlined the law’s structured approach, which includes provisions for mental health and addiction services available at designated shelters far removed from public streets. According to FLGov.com, temporary campsites will be established with proper sanitation and access to treatment resources, aimed at a systematic remedy for those affected.

While the law’s supporters argue it successfully balances public safety with supportive services—including a commendable $30 million allocated for wraparound services in 2024—advocates warn that this approach could only serve as a temporary fix. Without significant investments in affordable housing, the challenges will continue unabated. The Collaborative of Central Florida has taken it upon themselves to produce over 50 investigative stories to shed light on the homelessness crisis, emphasizing the need for informed public discourse as the community seeks to address these pressing challenges.

As we witness the unfolding consequences of HB 1365, one thing becomes clear: successful solutions to homelessness will hinge on expanding shelter options, creating affordable housing, and ensuring that services are not just accessible but also effective. In the coming months and years, the future of homelessness solutions in Florida depends significantly on how these intertwined issues are navigated.