Police report shows 30-year low in crime; city attorney warns of new state —anti-camping— law

Police Chief Jack Picaro told the Lighthouse Point Economic Development Committee that the city is experiencing a historically low crime rate but still faces spikes in shoplifting.

"We're still enjoying a very low crime rate here at Lighthouse Point," Picaro said, adding that auto thefts are down "more than 55% compared to this time last year" and that the department's clearance rate is about 41% — well above a cited 13% national average. Picaro attributed the decline to arrests, technology and targeted policing.

Picaro warned that shoplifting has risen locally and nationally. Citing specific retailers, he said many vehicle entries involved unlocked cars and key fobs, and that the department is working with corporate security teams and asking merchants to sign trespass affidavits to prevent repeat offending.

"We're currently working with the managers... and we're trying to develop a long-term solution," Picaro said, urging business owners to secure vehicles and participate in prevention efforts such as customized security assessments offered by the department.

City Attorney Michael Strollo told the committee about a new state law commonly described in the meeting as an "anti-camping" statute, which takes effect Oct. 1 and creates potential city liability beginning Jan. 1 if jurisdictions do not follow complaint and removal procedures. Strollo said the law was written largely for counties but will affect cities: counties must develop plans and identify certified locations for sanctioned camping, and the county cannot unilaterally locate a camping site inside a city without the city's consent.

"If the counties are required to take the lead on those, they're required to come up with a plan to address it," Strollo said, adding that sites designated for camping must be certified through a state agency and meet criteria for services and housing availability. He emphasized that the law does not criminalize homelessness but creates duties around prohibiting and responding to camping on public property.

Strollo also cautioned about practical enforcement limits: municipalities do not have city jails and the sheriff told attorneys he will not accept municipal bookings for routine municipal violations, complicating the process of relocating or detaining individuals who repeatedly camp or trespass.

Committee members asked for clarifications about what constitutes "camping." Strollo said the statute's definition can include sleeping with possessions (for example, shopping carts), not necessarily the erection of a structure.

The committee heard the legal overview and discussed next steps: attorneys will monitor the county ordinance and prepare recommendations on whether and how Lighthouse Point may need local code amendments to meet notification requirements and limit city liability.

The committee did not adopt any ordinance at the meeting; staff and counsel will return with recommendations once more county-level guidance is available.