Miami makes people homeless and then arrests them for being homeless.

Nearly 1/3 of persons required to register as sex offenders in Miami-Dade are homeless. That’s an insane statistic. They are not homeless because they want to be. They are legislated into homelessness because of the County’s “Lauren Book Child Safety Act” that sets a 2500 residency restriction. They are not refusing emergency shelter. They can’t go to an emergency shelter because there are no homeless shelters in Miami-Dade that will take people on the registry. You can ask Ron Book why – he chairs the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust (305-375-1490).

According to reporting by WLRN and an advisory from our Legislative Committee, the City of Miami just passed (3 to 2) an amendment to its homelessness ordinance that would allow police officers to make arrests without first providing a written warning.

They are still required to offer shelter, but buried within the proposed ordinance is a provision that specifically singles out people on the sex offender registry. The ordinance states: “Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent or otherwise prohibit a police officer from arresting a person in violation of this section who is ineligible for shelter placement for any reason including, but not limited to: such person being under the influence of alcohol or drugs; such person having been previously banned from the available shelter; such person’s status as a sexual offender, sexual predator, or domestic violence offender; or any other past or present conduct rendering such person ineligible for placement in a shelter.”

In other words, a person experiencing homelessness who is listed on Florida’s registry could potentially be arrested immediately, without a written warning and without being offered shelter, simply because their registry status makes them ineligible for shelter placement.

How can a government require someone to comply with lifetime restrictions that make housing impossible, then criminalize them when those same restrictions contribute to their homelessness?

The ordinance has already passed and the Mayor, Eileen Higgins ([email protected]) (or call: 305-250-5300) has until Monday to veto it.

If you get a chance, please contact Mayor Higgins and remind her that a policy that creates homelessness and then criminalizes the homeless person for the consequences created by that legislation, is not a public safety solution. It is a revolving door. Encourage her to veto the bill until the County’s Homeless Trust has an opportunity to come up with a solution.


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11 thoughts on “Miami makes people homeless and then arrests them for being homeless.

    • July 28, 2026

      OPERATION ADAM WALSH what a shame they use it so happily

      Reply
  • July 28, 2026

    How it happens, is corrupted, soulless, heartless, demented, damaged, psychotic sick people become politicians so they can push their own warped agendas and the agendas of their benefactors. Criminals in Tallahassee represents corporations through vile and repulsive lobbyists. It’s bribery no matter what label they give it.

    “I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. As the result of the War, corporations have been enthroned. An era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people…until wealth is aggregated in a few hands…and the Republic is destroyed.”
    -Abraham Lincoln, 1864

    I will include in every comment I make anywhere….

    200,000 CHILDREN HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REGISTER AS “SEX OFFENDERS”, AS YOUNG AS 8 AND 9 YEARS OLD. THEY ARE VICTIMS OF A SATANIC SYSTEM OF OPPRESSION AND SUPPRESSION, AN ANTICHRIST SYSTEM THAT CLAIMS TO PROTECT CHILDREN, LYING AND DECEIVING THE WORLD. THESE CHILDREN ARE SACRIFICED TO FEED THE FILTHY MACHINE.

    None of this would exist without the support of the uneducated, ignorant, judgmental condemnation of hypocrites and hatefilled pitiful humans. That’s why I pray to Karma constantly to educate them with a personal visit.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2026

      If you get a chance, please contact Mayor Higgins and remind her that a policy that creates homelessness and then criminalizes the homeless person for the consequences created by that legislation, is not a public safety solution. It is a revolving door. Encourage her to veto the bill until the County’s Homeless Trust has an opportunity to come up with a solution. Be sure to remain on topic!

      Reply
  • July 28, 2026

    The time will come when the law suit will become successful and when it does all will be compensated we fight together will win together.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2026

    Wow! Florida lawmakers/law enforcement constantly the limits of humane treatment when they go to such extreme lengths in applying as much punishment as possible where registrants are concerned.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2026

    When a wise Law Firm sees the potential for a class action lawsuit, and wins, the entire Nation will follow.

    “Have you been arrested only because you are not allowed to be in a homeless shelter? Call Cominafteryou Big Law Firm at 1-800-$$$-$$$$ today.”

    Reply
  • July 28, 2026

    Florida just never ceases to amaze me. I knew they would pull some shyster move like this. America, the land of the fee!

    Reply

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