FL S1040

Cited as the "Homeless Persons Dignity Act," the bill defines "housing status" to include the actual or perceived status of having, not having, or being at risk of not having a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence

Prohibits denying or abridging a homeless person's ability to access public services solely based on their housing status, requiring the same access as any other state resident

Establishes a broad set of 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 sleeping in public places in a nonobstructive manner, equal treatment by government entities, internet access, emergency medical care, and voting rights—all without discrimination based on housing status

Includes legislative findings that no individual should suffer from lack of shelter or basic rights, and identifies persons aged 13 to 23 as particularly vulnerable to deprivation due to actual or perceived homelessness

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, with an effective date of July 1, 2025