TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — New legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that could change the lives of those facing homelessness across Florida, but many are debating whether that change will make their lives better or worse.
One man who is currently facing homelessness in the Tampa Bay area says he doesn’t think lawmakers in Tallahassee understand what it’s like to be out on the streets.
"I don't know how to describe it, less than a human. Sometimes I feel like a parasite or an animal or a contagious disease,” he said.
The man, who goes by Ben, says he's been battling homelessness since the summer of 2020.
"It's very demeaning,” Ben said. “Being homeless is not the tough part, the tough part is dealing with society, the police, politics."
Now, politics may once again be reshaping the day-to-day lives of those facing homelessness. A bill is headed to the governor's desk that would ban sleeping or camping on public property.
"Insufficient shelter beds and insufficient permanent housing solutions results in unsheltered sleeping and camping in public places, places that we want our kids and grandkids to enjoy like the parks," said Senator Johnathan Martin, the bill’s sponsor.
Lawmakers voted earlier this week to send the bill to the governor. The bill allows for local jurisdictions to have the option to designate certain public property for people to sleep or camp on, if it meets certain standards. Those areas could only have that designation for up to one year.
"We, as a legislature, are doing our part to right the ship and provide housing safety and services to our homeless population in Florida," Martin said.
Those like Ben, who are working to get back on their feet, say the bill will do more harm than good.
“We’ve got nowhere to go. They run you off from one spot to another and it's just never ending,” he said. “Stay with us for a month. Walk in our shoes."
If the governor signs the bill, it will go into effect in October.