Even in Freezing Weather Florida Won’t Amend the Camping Law That Prevents the Homeless From Using Blankets

Pensacola, Florida has a ‘camping’ law that makes it illegal to sleep outdoors covered by blankets. For the purposes of the law, items such as newspaper and cardboard are also banned for use as bedding. Tents, which are classed as temporary shelters are also banned unless used on a registered campsite.

The people of Pensacola have petitioned the council to reconsider the ordinance in order that the homeless are able to cover themselves in winter, it has been to no avail.

The council defends itself by citing people ‘camping’ on the streets as a threat to sanitation, public health and safety. They also mentioned that such shelters reduced the aesthetic qualities of Pensacola streets.

The wording of the ordinance is as follows:

“A person may not be adjacent to or inside a tent or sleeping bag, or atop and/or covered by materials such as a bedroll, cardboard, newspapers, or inside some form of temporary shelter.”

Jeremy Bosso, a Pensacola resident, runs a personal website and has campaigned to get the ‘blanket ban’ removed. A vote to repeal the ordinance will take place later today at Pensacola City Hall.