A newly released report from the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida offers a sobering look at homelessness in the region, revealing that over 40% of those without stable housing are either children or senior citizens. The findings come from the first Point-in-Time (PIT) count conducted since Florida enacted a law prohibiting public camping.
The PIT count, conducted on January 27, 2025, surveyed individuals experiencing homelessness across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. In total, 2,781 people were found to be without permanent housing, including 1,090 individuals living unsheltered — sleeping on the streets, in wooded areas, or in their vehicles.
The results underline a disturbing trend in Central Florida, where an increasing number of school-aged children are being affected. Local school districts are seeing a spike in students living in unstable conditions such as cars, public parks, abandoned buildings, or crowded housing situations. Orange County Public Schools alone identified over 8,100 students as homeless, a number that includes those residing in hotels or doubled-up with relatives or other families.
Despite these challenges, the Homeless Services Network reported some progress in 2024, with more than 5,000 individuals successfully transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. This development reflects the efforts of local governments and community organizations working to provide sustainable support systems.
“I am encouraged to learn that the recent point-in-time count shows a slight decrease in Orange County’s homeless population, but I remain deeply concerned for those who are still unsheltered. Orange County Government continues to be the largest single funder of public services for the homeless in Central Florida,” Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said in a statement.
Demings said Orange County is working to financially support the homeless, dedicating over $56 million in their 2024-2025 budget for mental health services, health care and housing.
“Our goal is to work hand in hand with our regional partners to reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and provide support to those most at risk,” Demings said.
As Central Florida continues to navigate the implications of statewide policy changes and rising housing insecurity, the region’s leaders and service providers are being called to deepen their collaborative efforts. The 2025 PIT count serves as both a critical benchmark and a call to action for a more inclusive and supportive approach to ending homelessness.