Orange County Considers ‘No Camping Ordinance’

A proposed new ordinance could ban people who are homeless from setting up camps in Orange County.

Some residents have been pushing for an ordinance for years.

Commissioner Ted Edwards has sent a memo to Mayor Teresa Jacobs, proposing a "No Camping Ordinance."

It would make it illegal for transients to set up camps with mattresses, cardboard boxes and tents on public or private property.

Commissioner Jennifer Thompson welcomes the discussion. But she says she’s worried about the side effects of an ordinance that could send transients to jail for six months to a year.

“That would crowd the jail. Yes it takes people off the street, but they're going to be released back, so how much does that cost Orange County taxpayers,” Thompson said.

The City of Orlando passed a similar ordinance two years ago. Orlando’s ordinance has been challenged in court, with no luck.