February 19, 2025
Property

Pensacola bans camping on public property, offenders face fines or jail time


PENSACOLA, Fla. — Camping on public property in the city of Pensacola is now illegal.

The city council voted to pass the ordinance Thursday night. There was also an ordinance to ban camping on private land, but that was voted down.

Pensacola Police will now have the power to order those camping in public places to leave or face a fine.

The vote passed 5-1, with councilman Charles Bare voting against it.

The ordinance came after the state passed a law banning camping on public property.

Anyone found in violation will be given a warning by Pensacola Police first and told to leave.

If they refuse, they will be fined $50 per day. If that fine is not paid, the person could be sent to jail for up to 20 days.

Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier is one of those who voted in favor of the ordinance.

She said her constituents have complained about homeless encampments near neighborhoods near the airport and Hitzman Park.

Bare argued the ordinance was not needed.

“We didn’t need to have an ordinance — and we already had a camping ordinance,” he said. “So I don’t know why we needed to criminalize it.”

Homeless advocates spoke out against the ordinance. They said it criminalizes poverty.

Homeless groups like the Washburn Center in Escambia County say they’re preparing for an influx of homeless individuals leaving the city limits and moving to the county.

Pensacola Police say they’ve not yet seen the ordinance, but will have officers ready to respond when it goes into effect next Tuesday.



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