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Council adopts changes to camping ordinance to comply with new Florida law
Summary
The council approved second and final reading of Ordinance 2024-2304 to align New Port Richey's camping rules with Florida Statute 125.0231, adding prohibitions on unauthorized public camping while preserving the city's lift team and enabling safe/managed area options.
The City Council unanimously approved second and final reading of an amendment to the city camping ordinance to bring local code into compliance with Florida Statute 125.0231.
Police staff and the city attorney summarized the statutory changes: the state law prohibits unauthorized public camping or sleeping on non-designated public property and allows jurisdictions to establish safe and managed locations with running water and sanitation. The ordinance amendment adds a cross-reference to the state statute, refines definitions and clarifies that camping for recreational purposes is allowed only in properties designated by the city or during approved special events.
The police chief noted the city's existing outreach through the lift team and emphasized that the ordinance updates primarily align local enforcement language with state law. Council members praised the lift team's wraparound services and supported adoption.
The council approved the ordinance on second and final reading by a 4-0 vote.
