VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Council discussed a proposed ordinance Tuesday morning that would prohibit people from sleeping in public places.

The ordinance is designed to align with a new state law, effective Oct. 1, 2024, that prohibits counties or municipalities from allowing public camping or sleeping at public buildings, on public grounds, property or right-of-ways.

However, there is an exception in areas designated as recreational campsites or during states of emergency.

The law allows residents, business owners or the Attorney General to sue a county or municipality that doesn’t comply with the Florida Statute.

Volusia is following suit with a proposed ordinance banning people from regularly camping or sleeping on public property owned by the county.

Violating the ordinance may result in fines and trespass charges.

The ordinance would also provide a complaint process for residents and business owners to report violations to county leaders.

Here is how to currently report a code compliance complaint in Volusia County. 

The county council's next meeting is on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m.