Public Encampments
Section 125.0231, F.S., created by House Bill 1365, Unauthorized Public Camping and Sleeping, directs the Department of Children and Families to certify designated county public camping and sleeping site certification requests, and monitor site compliance following certification.
The Florida Department of Children and Families' Office on Homelessness developed this webpage to facilitate counties in submitting certification requests for designated public camping or sleeping sites. This page provides necessary resources to guide counties through the certification process.
Certification Process Overview
Counties seeking to designate public camping or sleeping sites must follow a structured process to ensure compliance with state law. This process includes submitting the required documentation, which will be reviewed by the Department within 45 days. Below is a step-by-step guide to the certification process:
Step 1: Review the Public Encampment Certification Checklist.
Step 2: If applicable, review the Financial Hardship Checklist.
Step 3: Prepare your documentation based on the checklists.
Step 4: Submit your certification request using the form here.
Upon submission, the designated POC will receive a confirmation email, and the request will be reviewed by our team. The designated POC can expect to hear back within 10 days if additional information is required, and a final decision will be communicated within 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Public Camping or Sleeping?
- Lodging or residing overnight on public property in a temporary outdoor habitation used as a dwelling or living space (i.e., tent or other temporary shelter), or lodging or residing overnight in an outdoor space without a tent or other temporary shelter.
- Public camping or sleeping does NOT include lodging overnight in a motor vehicle that is registered, insured, and located in a place where it may lawfully be, or camping for recreational purposes on property designated for such purposes.
Where Can a Designated Public Sleeping Site Be Located?
The site must not be contiguous with residential properties and must not negatively impact the safety of children, or property values or safety and security of surrounding properties.
Who Can Submit a Certification Request?
Only counties can submit certification requests. If the site is within a municipality, a majority vote of the municipality's governing body is also required.
For more detailed questions, visit our full FAQ page.
Resources and Tools:
- Public Encampment Certification Submission Form
- Public Encampment Certification Checklist
- Financial Hardship Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact
For further assistance, please contact the Florida Department of Children and Families' Office on Homelessness at @email