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In states like California, it's not uncommon to see various homeless encampments lining the streets. While homelessness has been an issue in the Golden State for quite some time, recent years have exacerbated it. Inflation naturally makes everyday life harder for most Americans. Californians, who already face notably high living costs, continue to endure financial difficulties. Childcare is harder to come upon, too; insurance rates are going up and rent prices have yet to stop climbing. As a result of this, folks who lack the necessary income and/or support systems end up on the streets. For years, leaders across California have talked about fixing the homelessness crisis, but there's still quite a long way to go. Down in Florida, however, the red state is taking direct action to ensure its streets don't become crammed with homeless encampments.

Gov. DeSantis formally approves preventative new legislation

On Wednesday, Florida's Republican governor signed off on H.B. 1365. This bill legally bars homeless individuals from sleeping in public areas throughout the state. In remarks to the public, DeSantis explained the rationale behind this legislation. It is the governor's view that homeless encampments hurt the quality of life for everyday residents who are coming and going. He also pointed out that unlike California and New York, Florida is threading the needle between upholding the law and supplying the homeless with necessary resources to better their situations.

This new bill goes into effect before 2025

H.B. 1365 officially became the Sunshine State's law of the land on Tuesday, October 1. As of that moment, homeless individuals in Florida will be legally prohibited from sleeping in parks, city streets, and sidewalks. Instead, they'll have access to different shelters and other areas carefully monitored by law enforcement. In these spaces, people without homes can sleep and set up encampments. Under H.B. 1365, once homeless shelters reach capacity, alternative spaces must have running water, suitable restrooms, and other services, such as behavioral and mental health support. The Florida governor signing off on this bill elicited strong opinions from the public. On social media, state residents and Americans as a collective are weighing in with their thoughts and opinions.