Last week, we shared a City Update explaining how Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Police Department are addressing homelessness-related concerns, including what laws apply, how enforcement works, and what resources are available.
Today, we are sharing our formal written response to the Florida Attorney General’s Office related to a citizen complaint and a January 6, 2026 letter received by the City.
We believe it’s important for residents to have access to the same information provided to state officials. Our response includes detailed timelines, enforcement records, and supporting documentation that explain how reported concerns were handled and how the City operates within state law.
Read the full response and supporting exhibits here.
What our Response Explains
Our response walks through both the law and the documented facts. Key takeaways include:
- Homelessness is declining in our area.
State data from the Florida Department of Children and Families shows a significant decrease in homelessness in Polk County. - Overnight public camping is not permitted, and ordinances are enforced.
State law, City ordinances, and County ordinances prohibit overnight camping and sleeping on public property, including parks, sidewalks, and rights-of-way. These rules are actively enforced. - Police responses are prompt and documented.
For each photo or incident cited in the complaint, police records show officers responded—often within minutes—addressed the situation, cleared the area, and took appropriate enforcement or educational action. - Many images show daytime activity or activity on private property.
Several photographs included in the complaint depict individuals during daytime hours or on private property. Under state law, those situations do not meet the legal definition of overnight public camping. Any violations of any other state or local laws were enforced. - Targeted enforcement has occurred across the city.
Over the past eight months, Winter Haven Police have cleared 25 locations where camping was occurring and continue proactive patrols through a dedicated unit focused on areas of concern. - Enforcement is balanced with constitutional rights.
Our response explains how we protect public spaces while respecting constitutional protections of all individuals and legal limitations placed on local governments.
Why We’re Sharing This
We are sharing this information to provide transparency, clarity, and context—so residents can review the facts, understand how the law is applied, and see how reported concerns are addressed in real time.
As always, we encourage residents to report concerns so they can be addressed promptly by City staff and law enforcement.
- Winter Haven City Hall: 863-291-5600
- Winter Haven Police Department Non-Emergency Line: 863.291.5858
- Emergencies: Please call 911 in any emergency situation.
Clear information. Open access. Real conversations.