JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The final phase of a new Florida law, which bans sleeping in public spaces such as sidewalks and parks, took effect Wednesday.
RELATED: Nearly 300 new Florida laws this year. Here’s a few that you should know | JSO starts enforcing overnight sleeping ban in public spaces
Recommended Videos
This phase grants individuals and businesses the right to sue local governments if they fail to enforce the ban.
Since the law’s passage, agencies have been collaborating with city officials to provide support for those affected. Jaime Williams, the social services director at the City Rescue Mission, talked about how they’re working together.
“It’s really a collaborative effort between the city rescue mission, other social service agencies, and JFRD. And so together, we are gotten together to try to designate beds specifically for folks who are camping and they need a place to stay,” Williams explained.
Williams noted an increase in the number of people seeking shelter at the City Rescue Mission.
“It is a balance. You know, at some point in time we do max out,” she said, adding that while all designated program beds are full, they maintain a waiting list and have staff ready to fill vacancies as they arise.
Despite the challenges, Williams said she believes the new law represents a positive step forward.