Once the new law comes into effect, the JSO will begin warning people who sleep outside

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of new laws have been in effect in Florida since Tuesday, including one that effectively bans sleeping and camping outdoors on public lands.

That means the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will start talking to people and making sure they understand what to expect with the new law.

MORE: JFRD is preparing to help enforce the state law banning sleeping outside

Sheriff TK Waters told News4JAX that people will initially receive warnings.

JFRD will have a 7-member team working to get them into permanent housing. If they refuse service and continue to camp in public, the Sheriff’s Office will intervene.

“We’re dealing with people in difficult situations,” Waters said. “At the same time, they have to abide by the law. Now that these laws are passed and in effect, I believe business owners and people in the community have the right to expect us as law enforcement and the Sheriff to do something about them if they do not follow the warning and education process hold. Taking all of this into account, there is a good balance between the way we do things and at the same time address the problem. Because honestly, I hear about it quite often.”

It’s important to remember that people have until January 1 to sue Jacksonville and other Florida cities that don’t comply.

The new law does not apply to sleeping on private property.