Orange County’s Board of Commissioners has officially enacted an ordinance banning public sleeping, aligning the county with Florida’s House Bill 1365. This measure has sparked a heated debate between proponents citing legal compliance and critics calling it an attack on the homeless community.
What You Need to Know:
- The Decision: Orange County commissioners voted 4-2 in favor of the ordinance.
- The Law: Florida House Bill 1365 prohibits sleeping or camping on public property and empowers residents, businesses, and the state attorney general to sue municipalities that fail to enforce the law.
- The Impact: Violators may face a misdemeanor charge, a $500 fine, or up to 60 days in jail.
- The Opposition: Advocates argue this criminalizes homelessness and exacerbates existing challenges.
Compliance with State Law
House Bill 1365, signed into law in 2024, mandates local governments enforce the statewide ban on public sleeping or risk lawsuits. The law permits lawsuits from January 1, 2025, and offers municipalities five days to address violations before legal action proceeds.
To protect the county from litigation, the ordinance criminalizes sleeping in public spaces while offering alternatives such as directing individuals to shelters or finding housing solutions.
A Polarizing Decision
Newly elected Commissioner Kelly Semrad and Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero were the only dissenting votes, reflecting concerns about the ordinance’s humanitarian impact. Critics, including local advocates for the unhoused, view the ordinance as a step toward criminalizing homelessness in a county grappling with severe housing instability.
Despite criticism, county officials emphasized limited options due to the law’s requirements. The ordinance excludes recreational camping and sleeping in lawfully parked vehicles.
Homelessness in Orange County
Orange County is home to a rapidly growing population of 1.4 million residents, with housing affordability failing to keep pace. The region has experienced a 105% increase in unsheltered individuals over the past year, reflecting the statewide housing crisis.
In response, the county has implemented initiatives such as:
- Permanent supportive housing programs
- A landlord incentive program
- Efforts to establish a low-barrier shelter in partnership with the City of Orlando
Orange County allocated $45.6 million for homelessness services in its 2025 budget, with an additional $10 million added to bolster resources following the state’s camping ban.
The Bigger Picture
Florida ranks third in the nation for homelessness, trailing only California and Texas. With over 30,000 people experiencing housing instability statewide, the housing crisis remains a pressing issue.
While the ordinance aims to shield Orange County from costly lawsuits, it underscores the broader challenge of balancing legal compliance with ethical responsibility toward vulnerable populations. Critics warn that such measures risk perpetuating cycles of poverty and incarceration without addressing root causes.
Moving Forward
Orange County’s decision reflects a growing trend among municipalities across Central Florida. Cities like Winter Park, Winter Garden, and Windermere have already enacted similar measures. The ordinance will apply to unincorporated areas of the county.
Local leaders face the ongoing challenge of developing comprehensive solutions to address homelessness while meeting state mandates. As debates continue, the spotlight remains on how Orange County will navigate this complex and deeply polarizing issue.
Conclusion
The ordinance banning public sleeping has placed Orange County at the intersection of legal obligation and social justice. While intended to align with state law, the move has fueled concerns about the criminalization of homelessness. As community leaders grapple with this delicate balance, the focus must remain on expanding affordable housing, increasing shelter capacity, and supporting long-term solutions to housing instability.