Seminole County, FL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Chapter
- Chapter 232, Seminole County Code
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 2015-2 (1-13-2015)
- Max fine
- $500
- Max jail term
- 60 days
- ATM buffer
- 25 feet
- School bus stop buffer
- 1,000 feet
- Applies
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Seminole County makes aggressive panhandling a criminal offense under Chapter 232. The ordinance bans blocking pedestrians or vehicles, soliciting inside private buildings without the owner's consent, and aggressive begging near ATMs, bus stops, and school bus stops. A conviction carries a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, enforced only outside the county's incorporated cities.
(a)It is prohibited and unlawful for a person to interfere with pedestrians or motor vehicles if he or she obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic or aggressively panhandles on a right-of-way, road or street as defined in Section 334.03, Florida Statutes (2014)... which terms include, but are not limited to, associated sidewalks and crosswalks.... (e)It is prohibited and unlawful for any person to aggressively panhandle in any public place within the County which public places include, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, the following places:...(5)Within a circumference of 25 feet of the site of any automated teller machine (ATM), a vending machine or any other machine dispensing cash or within a painted "privacy zone" painted on the ground around an ATM, whichever distance is less...(7)Within 1,000 feet of a school bus stop when children are present.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1 | Land Development Code: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 232 of the Seminole County Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 2015-2 on January 13, 2015, defines "aggressive" panhandling broadly: approaching or following pedestrians, repetitive soliciting after a refusal, abusive or profane language meant to intimidate, unwanted physical contact, blocking a building or vehicle entrance, or any gesture a reasonable person would perceive as a threat of imminent harm. 03. " Aggressive panhandling is separately banned outright at bus and train stops, inside public transportation vehicles, in vehicles on a street without a permit, in parks and sporting facilities, within 25 feet of an ATM or its painted privacy zone, in county-owned parking lots and garages, and within 1,000 feet of a school bus stop when children are present.
Panhandling in a group of two or more that encircles the person solicited, or blocking their path, is rebuttably deemed aggressive. 6 bars the chapter from being applied inside Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, or Winter Springs, each of which sets its own panhandling rules.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 232.7, a first conviction for violating Chapter 232 is punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days in the county jail, or both, under the general misdemeanor penalty authority of Florida Statutes Section 125.69. The County may also pursue a separate civil action in circuit or county court for the same conduct, in addition to any criminal penalty imposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all panhandling illegal in unincorporated Seminole County?
Does this ordinance apply inside Sanford or Oviedo?
Can a store legally stop someone from panhandling inside?
What is the maximum penalty for aggressive panhandling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seminole County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
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