As Florida prepares for the implementation of its new “anti-camping” law on October 1, the City of Fort Lauderdale is going beyond state mandates by adopting a tougher approach to addressing homelessness. The city’s local ordinance not only complies with the state’s overnight camping ban on public property but extends it to a full 24-hour prohibition, surpassing the state’s requirements in an effort to protect public spaces.
Fort Lauderdale, a city grappling with significant homelessness issues, currently houses more than 700 unhoused individuals on its streets. The city represents roughly half of Broward County’s homeless population, according to Vice Mayor Steve Glassman. With such a large portion of the county’s homeless living within its borders, city leaders have taken a more aggressive approach to finding solutions for both the unhoused and the concerns of local residents.
During a recent city commission meeting, local homeowners voiced their concerns about homeless individuals occupying neighborhood parks, such as Hardy Park, which residents now avoid out of fear.
“I know Hardy Park, and families don’t go down there in the morning because they’re too afraid of what they might find at the playground,” said Ted Inserra, a Fort Lauderdale homeowner.
In response to mounting concerns, the city introduced an ordinance that bans camping on public property around the clock, an approach stricter than the state’s law, which only prohibits overnight camping. Mayor Dean Trantalis, though initially opposed to the state law, acknowledged the necessity for action during the city commission meeting.
“We cannot continue to sit here, wring our hands, and say woe is me. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road,” Trantalis remarked, signaling his begrudging acceptance of the need for local measures.
Vice Mayor Glassman echoed the mayor’s sentiments, explaining that a 24-hour ban was essential for improving the quality of life for residents and maintaining public spaces. “The city of Fort Lauderdale has always tried every compassionate measure you can think of. But now we need more tools in the toolbox, and this ordinance is one of those tools,” Glassman said.
Comprehensive Support Efforts
Fort Lauderdale is not just focused on enforcement. The city, in collaboration with Broward County, manages the Homeless Assistance Center, a facility designed to provide temporary shelter and services. Additionally, Fort Lauderdale opened Seven on Seventh, a supportive housing facility that offers both living space and social services aimed at helping the unhoused transition back into society.
According to Glassman, the city’s goal is not merely to provide temporary shelter but to offer comprehensive services that address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental illness and substance abuse. “This is about more than just a place to hang your hat. It’s about getting the help and services you need to deal with the issues that led to being unhoused,” he explained.
Criticism of the Approach
However, not everyone agrees with the city’s tougher stance. Critics, including Mayor Trantalis himself, have voiced concerns that such laws will only serve to criminalize homelessness, flooding local jails with individuals who are then released back onto the streets. This cycle, they argue, does little to resolve the underlying problems and may only exacerbate the challenges faced by the homeless population.
In February, when the state’s “anti-camping” law was first passed, Mayor Trantalis openly criticized the legislation for its potential to further marginalize the homeless. He expressed concern that the law would lead to increased arrests of homeless individuals, only to have them released back onto city streets without meaningful intervention. Trantalis and other city officials continue to stress that additional support from Broward County and the state is crucial for expanding services aimed at addressing homelessness effectively.
Despite the criticisms, city leaders like Glassman believe that a tougher approach is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of life for residents while still providing compassionate solutions for the homeless.
“We need more assistance from both the county and the state to help expand services for our unhoused population,” Glassman emphasized. “But in the meantime, we’re doing what we can locally to address the problem.”
With the new state law set to take effect and Fort Lauderdale’s ordinance in place, the city continues to grapple with the delicate balance of providing support to its homeless population while addressing the growing concerns of residents.