Pensacola City Council Moves Closer to Banning Camping on Public and Private Property

The City of Pensacola is taking another step toward addressing homelessness through a proposed ban on camping, which would make it illegal to camp on public and private property except under certain conditions. The ordinance is a direct response to a new state law, House Bill (HB) 1365, that prohibits local governments from allowing people to regularly sleep or camp on public property.

At the latest City Council meeting, held on Thursday night, the council reviewed a second reading of the ordinances and debated potential changes. The proposed law would make camping illegal on public or commercial property unless special permission is granted by the mayor, such as during an emergency. It would also ban camping on private property unless the owner allows it for recreational purposes and ensures campers have access to utilities.

The ordinance is intended to comply with HB 1365, which went into effect this month. The state law requires local governments to prohibit regular camping or sleeping on public property, leaving local officials with little room to deviate. Effective January 1, 2025, the bill empowers residents, business owners, or the Florida Attorney General to file civil lawsuits against counties or municipalities that do not comply.

During the council meeting, several citizens voiced concerns about the impact of the ban on people experiencing homelessness. Critics argued that not all homeless individuals have alternatives, raising questions about where these people can go if they are barred from camping.

Councilwoman Allison Patton, who also serves on the Homelessness Reduction Task Force, acknowledged the difficult reality of limited resources but stressed the necessity of aligning with state law. "We will never have everything we need, but that doesn't mean we can place our city in a position where we are violating state law or where we can be sued and spend taxpayers' money on (lawsuits), and that's going to happen,” Patton said. “We will have lawsuits if we don't have the tools by which to enforce this prohibition, so for better or for worse, I think we have to have it.”

Despite some council members expressing sympathy for the homeless population, they ultimately agreed that the ordinances are necessary to avoid costly lawsuits. The council approved moving the proposed laws forward with minor changes after a three-hour discussion.

The final reading of the ordinances is scheduled for October 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Pensacola City Hall, 222 W. Main Street. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion on this important issue affecting the Pensacola community.

Stay informed on local developments and make your voice heard by attending upcoming council meetings. This is a crucial issue for our city, and your input matters!

Source: Pensacola News Journal.