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Stuart adds appeal process to trespass warnings after state law; public and commissioners press county for shelter options
Summary
The City of Stuart adopted an amendment to its parks code to add a formal appeal process for trespass warnings after a state law made enforcement of camping/sleeping bans on public property enforceable; the change prompted extended public comment urging a housing‑first approach and more county coordination.
The City of Stuart Commission on May 20 adopted an amendment to city code that adds a formal appeal process for trespass warnings issued for camping or sleeping on public property, a procedural change the city said was required by recent state law. The vote followed extensive public comment calling for housing‑first responses and more county‑level solutions.
City Attorney Ben Mortel and staff told the commission the change does not create new prohibitions: Stuart’s anti‑camping rules already existed in local code, but Florida Statutes §125.0231 and related case law require documented warnings and an opportunity for appeal before a…
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