FL H0951

Cited as the "Homeless Persons Dignity Act," the bill creates s. 420.6215, F.S., establishing that a person's access to public services may not be denied or abridged solely because of homelessness, and defines "housing status" as the actual or perceived status of lacking a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence.

Enumerates 12 specific rights for persons experiencing homelessness, including free movement in public spaces, access to clean drinking water and public facilities, freedom from civil or criminal penalties for nonobstructive sleeping or resting in public places, the right to lawful self-employment, nondiscriminatory emergency medical care, voting rights, and access to internet and technology.

Prohibits discrimination based on housing status in employment, education, housing, public accommodations, and treatment by state and local government entities, including access to emergency shelters, transitional housing, social services, libraries, and voucher programs.

Identifies persons aged 13 to 23 as particularly vulnerable to deprivation of basic rights due to actual or perceived homelessness and recognizes causes of homelessness including domestic violence, exiting foster care, natural disasters, and affordable housing shortages.

Authorizes courts to award injunctive and declaratory relief, actual damages, and reasonable attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff in civil actions alleging violations of the act, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.