ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Two Florida civil rights organizations have secured a $90,000 settlement in their federal lawsuit challenging St. Johns County’s controversial panhandling ordinance, with attorneys telling News4JAX that county officials agreed to cease enforcement of the ordinance.
The lawsuit, which challenged the constitutionality of the 2023 panhandling ordinance, was filed after reportedly dozens of individuals were cited and some arrested for soliciting near roadways. Two of the detained individuals were plaintiffs in the case.
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“People in our country have a right to ask other people for money or charity,” said Ray Taseff, an attorney with the Florida Justice Institute who represented the plaintiffs. “Local governments can’t discriminate against the content of speech and make it unlawful for someone to ask for money or charity, while permitting someone to ask for votes or signatures.”
St. Johns County officials confirmed with News4JAX that the panhandling ordinance will no longer be enforced.
“Based upon a settlement agreement, the County’s Right-of Way Safety Ordinance is not being enforced as written,” the county told News4JAX.
The ordinance had created a legal disparity where political campaigning near roads was permitted, but soliciting donations was prohibited.
The case highlighted broader First Amendment concerns, according to legal experts.
“We were contacted by people in the community regarding harassment and, in some instances, arrests for standing along the roadway or at intersections asking for money,” Taseff explained. “That activity is protected under the First Amendment as protected speech.”
Similar litigation challenging panhandling ordinances has emerged throughout Florida and nationwide.
Dan Marshall, an attorney with Southern Legal Counsel who also worked on the case, pointed to ongoing legal developments that could provide additional clarity.
“There’s currently an appeal on the 11th Circuit on a case that we’re doing out of Daytona Beach,” Marshall said. “We think the court there will give a lot more guidance on what’s legal and what’s not legal in these kinds of panhandling ordinances.”
Local residents affected by homelessness emphasize the need for more comprehensive solutions.
Ahmeen Abdullah, who experiences homelessness in St. Johns County, stressed the importance of addressing underlying housing issues.
“The city should build something for the homeless people,” Abdullah said. “People can’t afford to buy homes... We ain’t got nowhere to go.”
Both the St. Johns County administration and sheriff’s office indicated they are working to provide additional information about the settlement and its implementation.
Legal advocates are calling for local governments to develop more effective approaches to addressing poverty and homelessness beyond enforcement measures.
Billy, a St. Johns County resident, reflected on the complex nature of the issue.
“Sometimes people are just put in a bad position, and they need a little bit of help,” he said.