The statewide law bans sleeping on sidewalks and public encampments, a move critics say criminalizes homelessness.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — One year after Jacksonville’s camping ordinance went into effect, law enforcement and advocates are reflecting on its impact. 

The statewide law bans public encampments and sleeping on sidewalks, a move critics say criminalizes homelessness.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says the law, paired with programs like Homeward Bound, has been a game changer for both public safety and connecting homeless individuals with support services.

Since the ordinance went effect last year on Oct. 1, JSO says it has issued: 

1,397 warnings for public camping

438 arrests

133 Notices to Appear (NTAs)

Of those arrested, 189 served one day in jail while 101 served zero days, highlighting the program’s focus on alternatives to incarceration.

Since then, JSO says 583 people have traveled as part of the Homeward Bound program. Supported by the sheriff’s office, Homeward Bound helps unhoused residents return to family or supportive environments outside Jacksonville.

“Somewhere between 75% and 90% of people experiencing homelessness in Northeast Florida are from Northeast Florida,” said Dawn Gilman, CEO of Changing Homelessness. She emphasized that many were living and working locally before becoming unhoused, and the program is a critical resource for those willing to return to family elsewhere.

Gilman added, “Maybe 10–15% of people will take that resource. While it’s good for those individuals, it will solve their homelessness, we then still have the 85% to 90% of people who are literally homeless in our community, and that’s what we’re focused on.”

Youth shelters face additional challenges, she said. “If you go through and ask all of them, would you go back home, they will say no. They have been kicked out or locked out. They do not feel safe in their homes, so they don’t go back.”

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Commander Jimmy Ricks explained the process for engaging unhoused residents during citations. “If I’m seeing you on the streets and I give you that one warning…that’s our opportunity to talk about the Homeward Bound program,” he said.

Ricks also highlighted successes: “Now some of those same individuals…it’s nudged them into Sulzbacher, it’s nudged them into the City Rescue Mission, and now they’re participating in programs where they can get off their feet, get them towards not being homeless. I think that’s the challenge.”

Homeward Bound is a multi-agency collaborative effort: DVI administers it, Sulzbacher helped originate it, and JFRD’s PATH Team helps JSO deliver it on the ground.

Both Gilman and Ricks stress that addressing homelessness requires an all-hands-on-deck effort.

 “All of us have a role ending homelessness in our community,” Gilman said.

JSO insists the goal of the camping ordinance isn’t to criminalize people, but to find safer options.

As the city moves into year two, officials say programs like Homeward Bound will continue to play a key role in balancing public safety with compassionate support for Jacksonville’s unhoused population.