Seminole County leaders consider new panhandling ordinance

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County has a new plan to cut down on the number of panhandlers who approach people and ask for money.

After many complaints over the past year, leaders said they plan to increase public safety.

Resident Pat Moore said she's dealt with several panhandlers in Altamonte Springs.

"There's always somebody. 'Can I wash your windows? Do you have any money?'" said Moore.

"There's a sense of insecurity. You never really know," said resident Kendall Gow.

Officials said law enforcement officers responded to more than 2,400 calls regarding panhandling in 2014. Panhandlers currently can only be arrested if they're in traffic.

But a proposed county ordinance would take that law a step further. It would require panhandlers to stay 25 feet from ATMs and 1,000 feet from school bus stops when children are present, among other requirements.

The fines for violating the ordinance are more than a panhandler would likely be able to afford -- up to $500 or 60 days in jail.

Seminole County commissioners will discuss the ordinance at their next meeting.

WFTV