Deerfield Beach, FL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Section 46-34 targets begging, panhandling, canvassing and soliciting that the city commission found creates traffic-safety and crowd-control risks. On public roadways, subsection (c) bars beggars, panhandlers, canvassers or solicitors from obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic, from soliciting any operator or occupant of a vehicle in traffic, and from standing on a traffic median or bicycle path to beg while vehicles are moving. Subsection (d)'s general prohibitions add fixed no-solicitation zones: within 20 feet of a financial institution entrance or ATM, within 20 feet of a parking meter or pay station (unless the person is paying for their own parked car), at any lawfully permitted outdoor dining or merchandise area in active use, at any public transit stop, and while a target is standing in line to enter a business.

E. 21st Avenue, in any public park, on the municipal beach, or in a publicly owned recreational or sporting facility, including entryways. The ordinance recites that it is not meant to prohibit begging or soliciting where it will not interfere with traffic or otherwise threaten public health, safety or welfare, so quiet solicitation outside these zones and conduct restrictions is not itself illegal.