Florida Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Florida.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 22.6 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 31,000 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: Various programs through the Department of Children and Families
- Major Urban Centers: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville
- Primary Challenges: Affordable housing shortage, mental health service gaps, substance use disorders
Emergency Contact Numbers
Florida Crisis Hotline
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
211
Available 24/7
Mental Health Support
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 500-1119
Available 24/7
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Florida. Select a county to view specific information:
Miami-Dade County
County Seat: Miami
Population: 2.7 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 3,400 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prior to statewide law, Miami had various ordinances prohibiting camping in public spaces.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restricted in most areas, with enforcement varying by municipality.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling prohibited, but peaceful requests are generally protected speech.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, with some permit requirements for larger operations.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Miami-Dade County:
Orange County
County Seat: Orlando
Population: 1.4 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,000 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Orange County passed an ordinance in 2023 prohibiting "blocking" the right of way on public streets or sidewalks, which includes standing, sleeping, and lying down.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited in most areas.
- Panhandling: Restricted in certain areas, particularly in downtown Orlando.
- Food Distribution: Generally permitted with proper permits and health department approval.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Orange County:
Hillsborough County
County Seat: Tampa
Population: 1.5 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,800 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in many public areas; now aligned with state law.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited, with enforcement varying by area.
- Panhandling: Restricted in certain areas, including near ATMs and outdoor cafes.
- Food Distribution: Permitted with proper health department approvals.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Hillsborough County:
Duval County
County Seat: Jacksonville
Population: 1 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,500 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in many public areas; compliance with state law.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restricted in most areas.
- Panhandling: Restricted in certain zones, particularly downtown.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Duval County:
Palm Beach County
County Seat: West Palm Beach
Population: 1.5 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,500 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in many public areas; compliance with state law.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited.
- Panhandling: Restricted in certain areas.
- Food Distribution: Permits required for public property distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Palm Beach County:
Success Stories from Florida
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Florida:
Carlos's Journey
After losing his construction job during an economic downturn, Carlos found himself living in his car in Miami for over six months. Through the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust's outreach team, he connected with employment services and temporary housing assistance that helped him regain stability.
"When I was in my car, I didn't know where to turn. The outreach team connected me with so many resources I didn't know existed. Now I have a steady job again and my own apartment. It took time, but there are people who truly care."
Resources that helped: Street Outreach, Employment Assistance, Rapid Re-housing
Michelle's Journey
As a single mother fleeing domestic violence in Orlando, Michelle and her two children spent several weeks in emergency shelter before connecting with transitional housing. With support from case managers, she was able to access childcare, educational resources, and eventually secure stable housing through a rapid re-housing program.
"The shelter was just the beginning. It was the comprehensive support that really made the difference—helping with childcare so I could work, connecting me with legal help for my situation, and working with me to find housing I could afford as a single mom."
Resources that helped: Domestic Violence Services, Transitional Housing, Childcare Assistance, Rapid Re-housing
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Florida have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Florida to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Challenge Grant Program
Type: Homeless Services Funding
Eligibility: Administered through local Continuum of Care lead agencies
Benefits: Funds for emergency shelter, outreach, rapid re-housing, and prevention services
How to Access: Through local homeless service providers
SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership)
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Varies by county; typically serves low to moderate income households
Benefits: Down payment assistance, emergency home repair, rental assistance
How to Access: Through county housing offices
SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery)
Type: Disability Benefits Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who may qualify for SSI/SSDI
Benefits: Assistance with disability benefit applications and appeals
How to Access: Through local homeless service providers trained in SOAR
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Florida based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners