Under a concrete overpass on NW 17th Street, just steps from Miami’s Camillus House shelter, a small group of homeless people gathered the day after a new Florida law banning public encampments had taken effect.
Confusion hung in the air as those living under the overpass speculated about how long they would be able to stay before being forced to move or were arrested. Among them was Rolando, who came from Cuba and has been living in Miami for little over a year. Unlike many of the other homeless whom he counts as his neighbors, he was aware of the law, which took effect Oct. 1 – but had yet to feel its impact.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I know something is wrong, and those of us that are suffering with these conditions — there are thousands, it’s not just us under this bridge,” said Rolando, who like other homeless people interviewed by Caplin News declined to provide their full names. “If we move, and we separate, it’s worse because the police might catch you, and you might get arrested.
“Arrested, why?” he asked. “I haven’t committed any crimes.”
Ronaldo and others like him — there are approximately 1,000 people in Miami-Dade County living on the streets — have been left in limbo, waiting for guidance from county officials, advocates or law enforcement about whether they’ll have to move from public spaces, when and where they would go.

The law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March has sparked debate and criticism across the state, with advocates warning that it criminalizes homelessness without addressing the root causes. While Miami-Dade County officials said arrests would be made only if “specific” crimes had been committed and that local shelters would work with law enforcement to connect homeless individuals to services — the reality on the streets feels far different.
Miami-Dade County officials noted that the new law doesn’t grant law enforcement the power to arrest or fine someone for public camping. Instead, the officials pointed to an existing county ordinance that prohibits overnight camping in public spaces. It allows law enforcement to issue a warning to individuals camping in restricted areas and, if they refuse to leave, to arrest them.
Starting on Jan. 1, the new law also permits residents to sue a county or other municipality for allowing people to sleep on public property, such as a street or park. In the meantime, the county and advocacy groups are discussing various plans for creating additional housing since shelters are already maxed out — from building tiny homes to converting old hotel space — that would provide the homeless with a place to go if they are taken off the streets.
Noel Gonzalez, founder of One World One Heart, said she was concerned about the potential impact of the new law.
“When you have [a law] like this, it further disenfranchises individuals, especially those reluctant to enter shelters,” Gonzalez said. “Let me be clear: no one turns down permanent housing, but they often refuse shelter stays because they can be dangerous, filled with arguments and strict rules.”

Gonzalez stressed the need for a more compassionate approach, saying, “You have to analyze each case individually and determine the best fit for that person. It takes time and effort, but our resources would be much better spent on rehabilitation rather than criminalization.”
In regard to the new law, the Miami Police Department said its priority is protecting public safety and that it will seek to provide homeless people with information about shelter services.
“Our priority is protecting public safety,” the department said in a statement, “and the Miami-Dade Police Department will continue to address these sensitive issues as we have in the past. We will continue to partner with the Homeless Trust to provide homeless people with resources and available services and undertake enforcement efforts focused on specific crimes committed.”
Among those feeling the pressure of Miami’s rising cost of living is Anna, who now finds herself homeless after her rent outpaced her retirement check.
“I get $1,200 from my retirement, but my rent went up to $1,700,” Anna explained, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’m an American citizen and look where I am.”
Back under the overpass, Melvin, who has suffered multiple strokes and heart attacks during his six years on the streets, said the law reflects society’s disdain for the homeless, treating them as a burden rather than human beings in need of help.
“You act like we’re infected, like we’re an abomination,” he said. “The only solution you guys could come up with is sending us to jail, but I didn’t choose this life.”
As the sun set on the encampment under the 17th St. overpass, Melvin said: “Where are you going to put the criminals if you have us all in jail? This isn’t a crime. We’re begging for help.”