Q&A – Will Florida’s New Homeless Policy Reduce Panhandling in Florida?
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Today’s Entry: Brian, thank you for the update on the state’s soon-to-be homeless policy. It should definitely help reduce the problems we’ve been having in WPB – especially along Clematis. Can you update us as to the status of the panhandling proposal that had been discussed in the state’s session? Also, do you expect that we’ll see a reduction in panhandling due to the homeless law once it takes effect? Thank you.
Bottom Line: I can update you regarding the status of the proposed panhandling bill, though based on your questions you’ll probably not like it. The Solicitation of Contributions Act, as it was called, proposed the following:
- Prohibits panhandling under certain circumstances; prohibits person from approaching operator or other occupant of motor vehicle for purpose of panhandling; provides additional violations that constitute felony; requires individuals engaged in solicitation in certain areas to identify on whose behalf & for what purpose contributions are being solicited.
Specifically, the bill would ban panhandling under all of these conditions:
- All roadways
- All sidewalks
- Within 50 feet of commercial properties, bus stops, parking lots, parking garages and public restrooms
- Within 100 feet of schools and daycare facilities
- Inside of public buildings
The proposed legislation would have also made it illegal to panhandle under any circumstances if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Profanity while panhandling would be prohibited as would any physical contact. The penalties for violators would have ranged from $100 and up to 30 days in jail for first time offenders to $200 and up to 60 days in jail for repeat offenders. But none of that will be taking place in Florida anytime soon.
The bill died in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, without having been brought to a vote in that committee, at the conclusion of the state’s legislative session last week. As it pertains to your other question... There is likely to be an impact from the new homeless law.
Florida’s soon-to-be new law pertaining to homelessness, the Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping, law – which will take effect October 1st (once Governor DeSantis signs it – which he will), is likely to have a significant effect on homelessness and subsequent panhandling in our communities. As I noted earlier this week, there are approximately 12,300 homeless individuals who are currently living in conditions that wouldn’t be deemed acceptable under this legislation. Specific to the Palm Beaches, there were 1,855 homeless individuals accounted for most recently. Using the state’s estimates, there are 740 people in Palm Beach County which will be directly impacted under this policy. Here’s what we know about the relationship between homelessness and panhandling.
Various reports have suggested that as few as 5% of panhandlers are homeless with others suggesting that as many as 82% of panhandlers are homeless. The truth, as is often the case, is likely somewhere in between that especially wide range. It’s probably around 65%. Why do I say that? A National Institue's of Health study of panhandlers several years ago pegged it at that number. It’s also a study that helped frame public policy pertaining to the issue from the federal government. So, it does appear to be the case that most, perhaps as many as two-thirds of panhandlers are homeless. And we know that about 40% of those who are homeless in Palm Beach County aren’t sleeping in shelters currently. A study has also found that those who sleep in public spaces are also those most likely to panhandle in public spaces (often in close proximity to where they’re sleeping). Based on Florida’s new law, where no sleeping or camping on public grounds that hasn’t been designated by the county for doing so is permitted, it’s reasonable to expect those instances of panhandling are likely to be reduced.
What the exact impact of the change will be obviously will depend on multiple factors. Will the county opt to designate extra space for shelters/encampments as outlined under the law? If so, where will they be? Will those most inclined to panhandle become less inclined when staying in a sheltered environment? Will some opt to leave the area or state altogether? There are more questions than answers, however there is enough data to suggest that there is likely to be a reduction of panhandling in certain communities that are most impacted by homeless individuals sleeping in public spaces.