WRE News: Controversial Miami Beach Homeless Ordinance Sparks Debate

Miami Beach, FL – September 20, 2023 – The Miami Beach City Commission has given initial approval to a new ordinance that could lead to the arrest of homeless individuals who refuse shelter placement.

Miami Beach faces challenges in dealing with its homeless population, with concerns about crime rates and visibility of unhoused individuals leading to this contentious ordinance. While the city had already placed a ban on outdoor sleeping, it required police to issue a warning before making arrests. The proposed ordinance eliminates this warning provision, which has sparked concerns. The vote, passing the revised “camping” ban on the first reading, was 4-3 in favor, with Mayor Dan Gelber emphasizing the city’s services for the unhoused. Critics, including Commissioners Ricky Arriola, David Richardson, and Laura Dominguez, argue that homelessness shouldn’t be criminalized, as it can exacerbate issues for those struggling with addiction or mental illness. The ordinance is modeled after an Orlando law upheld by the United States Court of Appeals, but its potential constitutionality issues are a point of contention.