Hollywood, FL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

53 makes it unlawful to engage in aggressive panhandling, begging or soliciting anywhere in the city. 51 defines the aggressive conduct broadly: approaching or speaking to someone in a way that would make a reasonable person believe they face imminent bodily injury or a criminal act; asking again for money after getting a negative response; blocking a solicited person's path alone or as part of a group; touching someone without explicit permission; soliciting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; following a person who has walked away after being solicited; or acting to intimidate, compel or force someone to comply.

52 separately bans all panhandling, begging or soliciting, aggressive or not, at bus stops and public transportation facilities and vehicles, within 15 feet of a sidewalk cafe, city-owned parking lots, garages or pay stations, within 15 feet of an ATM, within 15 feet of the entrance or exit of a commercial or governmental building, and on private property without the owner's permission. 51 also designates State Road 7/US 441, Federal Highway, A1A/Ocean Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, Johnson Street and Sheridan Street, plus the area within 200 feet of any intersection on those roads, as prohibited roadways for right-of-way solicitation of motorists.

The City Commission adopted this subchapter by Ordinance O-2014-12, passed June 18, 2014, stating its intent to protect traffic safety for both pedestrians and motorists using the least restrictive means available while preserving other channels for First Amendment activity.