Photo by Hanlly Sam via Flickr
WFTV reports the new rules proposed by Mayor Buddy Dyer's office would ban beggars from soliciting or receiving donations from drivers stopped at red lights or at exit ramps.
The proposed measure would also repeal restrictions on panhandling in downtown Orlando at night and prohibit "aggressive solicitation," such as a panhandlers harassing people at ATM machines, outdoor restaurants or in parking spaces. It would also ban beggars for asking for donations again after being initially rejected.
City officials began considering changes to Orlando's panhandling ordinance after federal court rulings struck down broad panhandling ordinances in other cities, WFTV reports.
At Monday night's meeting, the Orlando City Council voted to approve the changes unanimously on first reading, though the measure will still a second reading before it's adopted.
