It’s no secret Osceola County has a homelessness issue.

“But they really have no place to go. We have no services for the homeless in Osceola County,” said Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer.

Todd Wright has been homeless for 10 years now. He lives in a hidden wooded area along US 192 with his girlfriend, Marcy Raphael. Osceola County recently passed an ordinance against homeless camping in public areas.

“Osceola doesn’t want homeless people,” Wright said.

That means living along west and east US 192, whether in tents or cardboard boxes, will no longer allowed. The wording of the ordinance says that not restricting “temporary habitation” in a highly trafficked corridor could have a significant negative impact on tourism.

But those commissioners like Viviana Janer who voted against the ordinance, beg to differ.

“Obviously it's not going to do anything to end homelessness,” Janer said. "I stated during my comments that I thought it would be a revolving door to our jail and it will cost taxpayers a lot of money.”

Those who disobey the ordinance face a fine of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail. Peggy Choudhry, who voted in favor of the ordinance, says this is a step in the right direction. She says the goal is not to make arrests but to give deputies an opportunity to educate the homeless while giving out information on resources provided by non-profits.

“Jail is revenue for Osceola," Wright said. "They fine you, I don't have no money but now I gotta pay $400 court costs, $150 public defender. Where am I going to get it from?”

Raphael and Wright both said they wish there were more options for people living in their conditions.

“Like if I had that kind of finances, I would buy land and let people be on that land and have permission and as long as everyone kept it clean,” said Raphael. “You could have a tent or a trailer. Whatever you choose to live in on that land.”

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said the new rule does not make it illegal for a person to sleep on a bench, that deputies will use discretion while enforcing this ordinance.