A driver hands money to a man panhandling at University Boulevard at Beach Boulevard. | Dan Scanlan, WJCT News 89.9
Published on February 28, 2024 at 11:27 am
Hundreds of people have been cited and dozens have been arrested as Jacksonville police enforce the city’s panhandling law.
The City Council banned people from hanging out on street corners and medians without a permit last year, but the ordinance also applies to drivers and those asking for money.
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Drivers can’t hand out cash or things like bottles of water while waiting at a major intersection, median or right of way.
Since the law took full effect in March, 69 people have been arrested and hundreds of citations have been issued.
The law was designed to stop pedestrians from slowing down traffic or walking between cars to eliminate a dangerous road condition.
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During the debate, City Council members discussed complaints from drivers about panhandlers.
City Council members also took a look at data that listed Jacksonville as the sixth-deadliest city in the United States for pedestrians.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, when it comes to panhandling violations, the rules are:
- First offense results in a warning.
- Second offense ends in a second warning.
- Third offense can earn a fine of up to $100.
- Fourth offense results in a possible arrest.
There is an exception to the rule for charitable organizations, but they have to follow certain rules, including:
- Applying for a permit from the city.
- Proving their nonprofit status.
- No one younger than 18 is allowed to solicit money.
Anyone caught asking for money without a permit is subject to a fine of up to $250.
Lead image: A driver hands money to a man panhandling on University Boulevard at Beach Boulevard. | Dan Scanlan, WJCT News 89.9
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
