Florida’s panhandling ordinances have been the target of an increasing number of challenges from civil liberties groups in recent years. In 2024 alone, a half dozen ordinances found their way before state and federal courts:

2024

Fort Lauderdale – In January, a U.S. District Judge enjoined the city from enforcing part of its panhandling ordinance.

Seminole County – Southern Legal Counsel challenged the county's panhandling ordinance in Federal Court in June 2024.

Daytona Beach – In July a federal judge declared Daytona Beach’s ban on panhandling unconstitutional. The judge had blocked enforcement of the ordinance in 2023.

Jacksonville – Federal judge declined to block Jacksonville from enforcing its panhandling restrictions while lawsuit continues through the court.

St. Johns County – The Florida Justice Institute and Southern Legal Counsel filed suit against the county challenging its anti-panhandling ordinances.

Pompano Beach – Federal district judge overturned one part of the city’s panhandling ordinance and upheld another contested part of the ordinance.

Previous Years

2021- Florida appeals court declared Fort Myers’ anti-panhandling ordinance unconstitutional.

2021 - West Palm Beach agreed to repeal its panhandling ordinance and paid $83,600 in legal fees incurred by civil rights groups who brought suit.

2022 – Lake Worth Beach repealed two panhandling ordinances to settle a federal lawsuit brought by Southern Legal Counsel and SPN Law of West Palm Beach.

2022 – A county judge ruled Palm Beach County’s panhandling ordinance was unconstitutional, as it violated the First Amendment and because it improperly distinguished between charitable solicitations and political solicitations.

In addition to the growing number of homeless citizens who turn to panhandling as a source of income, Florida based First Amendment Auditors have for many years presented themselves on public sidewalks, holding signs with vague language, to test the response of local law enforcement personnel. Unfortunately, officers continue to take the bait. Arrests made under often decades old ordinances lead to un-arrests, embarrassing YouTube videos,  and all too often abusive phone calls from the auditor’s legion of followers. The federal civil rights lawsuit is a foregone conclusion at this point.  

Will your ordinance hold up to judicial scrutiny? Are your personnel up to the challenge? 

We can help. See the attached flier for our dynamic and up-to-date training.