Lauderhill, FL Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Section 14-39 of the Lauderhill Code of Ordinances defines loitering broadly as standing or remaining in or about any public street, public sidewalk, public overpass or public bridge or other places specifically enumerated in the section, then lists specific conduct that crosses into an offense. Subsection (b)(4) is the city's sit-lie style rule: it is unlawful for a loitering person to sit or stand around any church, theater, public building, business establishment, or other place of public assemblage in a manner so as to obstruct entrances to same. The same section separately bars remaining at a school without a legitimate reason or permission, remaining on public transit property after being told to leave, and lingering around police stations, courts or hospitals to solicit legal services or bail bonds.

Because the rule is written around obstructing entrances rather than sitting or lying down generically, enforcement in Lauderhill turns on whether a person's position at a doorway or entrance is actually blocking access, a judgment the Lauderhill Police Department or a code enforcement officer applies on the scene. A person cited under this section can be issued either a uniform code citation, which carries the penalties set out in the city's general citation schedule at Section 7½-3, or be charged as a misdemeanor and taken before the county court.