New Florida law restricts early testing when sleeping outside

MIAMI – Experience people homelessness Miami is testing new state restrictions on sleeping outside in public areas. Some plan to continue camping while police refrain from making immediate arrests.

The new law, which took effect Tuesday, prohibits counties and municipalities from allowing people to camp or sleep outdoors on public property unless it is in a city or county-designated camp area.

“I was waiting for something to happen,” said Barry Orear, a 62-year-old who is homeless and spent the first night after the new law took effect sleeping on a sidewalk near Jackson Memorial Hospital. “Nothing happened. It's okay. It's not bad or anything. It’s better than starving.”

Among those sleeping nearby was Zo Sadler.

“I have a home, a house that I live in, but I'm not going to let the city or any cops come and mess with these people,” Sadler said. “They don’t deserve this.”

They reported that neither the police nor social workers approached the people sleeping outside on Tuesday evening.

Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, said his group is trying to rent rooms to ease the burden on shelters that are nearly full. Book noted that those who sleep in public places refuse to move into shelters. He expects many of them to continue to resist help and “get one or two or three warnings” before being arrested.

“Local governments are trying everything they can to protect themselves before Jan. 1,” Book said.

After Jan. 1, the new law allows the attorney general or anyone living in the county to seek civil damages.

“All it does is take money out of the system and put it in the pocket of someone who isn’t doing anything about homelessness,” Book said.

The City of Miami Police Department explained its policy in a statement emailed to CBS News Miami.

“Miami police officers always focus on a compassionate approach when engaging the community. Officers assist individuals by providing information about available housing options and support services. If a person breaks the law and refuses to seek shelter, officials will assess the situation, prioritizing public health and safety.”

“The Miami Police Department’s goal will be to promote compliance through public outreach rather than immediate punitive action. The focus will be on connecting individuals with resources while ensuring compliance with new state laws.”