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 banning camping on private land, but it was defeated.
Pensacola Police will now have the power to order people camping in public places to leave or face fines.
The vote passed 5-1, with City Councilman Charles Baer voting no.
The ordinance was enacted after the state passed a law banning camping on public land.
If you see a violation, you will first be given a warning by Pensacola Police and asked to leave.
Failure to do so will result in a $50 per day fine. Failure to pay the fine could result in up to 20 days in jail.
City Councilwoman Jennifer Blahier was one of those who voted in favor of the ordinance.
She said she has received complaints from constituents about homeless encampments near the airport and Hitzman Park.
Baer argued the ordinance wasn’t necessary.
“There was no need to pass an ordinance. The camping ordinance was already in place,” he said. “Then I don’t see why it needed to be criminalized.”
Homeless advocates spoke out against the ordinance. They said it criminalizes poverty.
Homeless organizations like Escambia County’s Washburn Center say they are preparing for an influx of homeless people leaving city limits and moving into the county.
Pensacola Police have not yet seen the ordinance, but say they will have officers in place to respond when it goes into effect next Tuesday.
