Panhandling Ban Not Enforced – Just Yet

An anti-solicitation law that targets pedestrians in roadways will not be enforced until Monday, April 29.

But police and Sarasota officials are using this "grace period" to prepare people for the law.

An informational message board will be placed in heavy traffic areas this week and through the weekend.

On Thursday, April 24, the message board will be placed at U.S. 41 and Gulf Stream Avenue. (What do you think of the message board? Let us know in the comments below!)

The Sarasota City Commission has adopted the anti-solicitation law to make it illegal for pedestrians on roadways to interact with motorists.

Proponents of the law say it is needed to stop the growing numbers of panhandlers in the city. Police will not start enforcing the new law until Monday, April 29.

What the Ordinance Does

Here are the details of Ordinance 23-1, Solicitation and Distribution on Public Roads, within the city limits.

The ordinance’s intent is to “Protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Sarasota.”   

The ordinance:

• Prohibits pedestrians from going upon or alongside a designated road to solicit or attempt to solicit donations, contributions, employment, business, sales or exchanges from occupants of motor vehicles.
• Forbids pedestrians from going upon or alongside a designated road to distribute or attempt to distribute products or materials to occupants of motor vehicles. 

Violators may be issued a Summons to Appear with a court date, or may be arrested.

Other coverage

New Law Targets Panhandlers in Sarasota

Sarasota to Curb Panhandling: Do You Agree?

Panhandling in Sarasota: Readers Sound Off

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