WHEREAS the Declaration of Independence holds these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness; and 

WHEREAS the number of people experiencing homelessness in Florida, according to the Department of Children and Families 2013 report, is approximately 45,364; and 

WHEREAS the lack of affordable, accessible and supportive housing is the primary cause of homelessness, with only 9,000 shelter beds and 13,000 transitional shelter beds available; and

WHEREAS poverty and homelessness negatively affect the welfare of individuals as well as the community at large by creating divisions among people, dimming prospects for our youth to achieve in school and in the workplace, and increasing demand for emergency food, housing, medical and law enforcement services; and

WHEREAS current responses to homelessness have been inadequate, leading to generational poverty, aggravated mental health problems and substance abuse, and increasing numbers of Floridians are forced to live in emergency shelter, on the street or in substandard conditions; and 

WHEREAS current ordinances criminalizing homeless activities such as sleeping and storing their valuables in public areas are discriminatory to the homeless population; and 

WHEREAS the people of the State of Florida recognize that discrimination because of homelessness adversely affects the welfare of individuals and all functioning of democracy;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED it is the public policy of the State of Florida that it is not a crime to be homeless and that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself or herself and of his or her family, including food, clothing and housing; and 

BE IT RESOLVED the State of Florida establish by law or ordinance a Homeless Bill of Rights to secure for all persons freedom from discrimination in education, employment, public services, public accommodations, movement, worship, speech and participation in the democratic process regardless of housing status. 

Homeless Bill of Rights Text:

Section 1. Short Title. Florida Homeless Bill of Rights. 

Section 2. Intent. Homelessness is defined as "a person without a home; therefore, typically living on the streets." In Florida, there are approximately 45,364 homeless persons. This number can be attributed to economic hardships, shortage of affordable housing, low incomes, and cuts in federal assistance. In addition, mental health issues and substance abuse contribute to the increasing amount of homeless. Florida is a particularly attractive place because our warm climate is more conducive to outdoor survival. Just as we protect the rights of property owners, it is our duty to protect the less fortunate among us. The purpose of this Bill is to minimize discrimination against the homeless by ensuring that the homeless are not deprived of the rights and privileges that all other citizens receive simply because they have a home.

Section 3. Bill of Rights.

(1) Right to move freely in public spaces such as sidewalks, public parks, public transportation, and public buildings, without discrimination. 

(2) Right to equal treatment from state and municipal officials.

(3) Right not to face discrimination due to their housing while maintaining employment. 

(4) Right to emergency medical care free from discrimination.

(5) Right to vote, register to vote, and receive documentation necessary to prove identity for voting. 

(6) Right to protection from disclosure of his or her records and information provided to homeless shelters and service providers to state, municipal, and private entities without appropriate legal authority; and the right to confidentiality of personal records. 

(7) Right not to be subjected to unreasonable search of belongings without a cause. Also, belongings of homeless individuals can't be thrown out or taken away without advance warning. 

(8) Right to solicit donations in public spaces in the same manner as any other person.

(9) Right to decline admittance to a public or private shelter or any other accommodation, including social services programs, for any reason he or she sees fit. 

(10) Right to rest in public space.