DeSantis Criticizes California Homelessness, Proposes Legislation to Curb It in Florida

Florida governor urges state lawmakers to pass legislation this session to encourage homeless people to get off the streets and accept services for help.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about legislation he's proposing to combat homelessness during a press conference in Miami Beach, Fla., on Feb. 5, 2024. Courtesy of the Office of the Florida Governor

Florida won’t ever become like San Francisco, Gov. Ron DeSantis is vowing. And he’s asking Florida lawmakers, currently in their regular legislative session, to pass laws to back up that promise.

The Republican governor, who recently suspended his presidential campaign, described the distant California city as an example of one plagued by urban decay during a press conference in Miami Beach on Feb. 5.