Florida’s Camping Ban: A look at its impact 6 months later
While homelessness saw a decrease in 2025, service providers think the state's camping ban is causing a "chilling effect".
Sleeping behind bars: Impacts of a state law banning public camping in the midst of a housing affordability crisis
Oviedo Community News joined 10 local news outlets in a regional collaboration to report on the local impact of Florida’s new Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping bill (House Bill 1365), set to be enforced Jan. 1.
For six months these news outlets will share and cross-publish their reporting to work toward creating a more informed and engaged Central Florida community. Alone, each organization can only do so much but together, the group can reduce redundancy, look at the issue from more angles and include more communities and sources. This collaboration is an ongoing effort, which additional news organizations may join over time.
OCN has named its contributions in the collaborative “Sleeping behind bars: Impacts of a state law banning public camping in the midst of a housing affordability crisis”. Want to weigh in on our reporting? Do that here.
Homeless Seminole County students surge 32% in two years
‘Mama, I have trauma’: What one mother’s story shows in the world of secretly homeless students in Seminole County.
‘No Buddy Left Behind’: New program has veterans help homeless veterans
A veteran outreach initiative from Pathlight HOME aims to help homeless veterans come in off the street by connecting them to VA benefits and affordable housing.
Lee Road hotel becoming home for homeless veterans with help of Central Florida nonprofit
State of Hope partners with Lee Gardens Extended Stay.
Progress Report: Central Florida homelessness 4 months after new state law
HB 1365’s effects ripple to groups trying to help.
‘We would have been homeless:’ Free legal aid gets results for families facing housing crisis
Seminole County group available at Sanford Courthouse
‘Don’t have anywhere to go:’ Orlando homeless encampment set to be cleared
Florida law bans public camping
Central Florida lagging in its solutions for homeless, survey finds
Get a regional look at solutions for the homeless population in Central Florida after a one-night hunt to get a headcount of the region's homeless.
Meet Rodney: Counted as homeless and arrested on the same day
Advocates say many homeless are now in hiding after state law legalizes arresting homeless campers, short-circuiting attempts to find traditional housing.