2014-09 Sober HousesRESOLUTION 2014 -09
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE
TO ADOPT AND GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT TO SUPPORT LEGISLATIVE
CHANGES PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF RECOVERY
RESIDENCES OR "SOBER HOUSES" IN THE FORM OF STATEWIDE
LICENSING AND REGISTRATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, recovery residences, also known as "sober houses," are not required to be licensed
under state law; and
WHEREAS, sober houses impact residential neighborhoods and when unlicensed and
unregulated, create safety and welfare hazards for both their residents and surrounding
neighbors; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of North Palm Beach urges the Florida
Legislature to adopt and Governor Rick Scott to support regulations and licensing requirements
for sober houses in order to:
1. Create a consistent standard of operation to provide uniform and safe operation
throughout the state;
2. Provide for accountability for the owners /operators of these homes;
3. Help end abuses that are occurring in some homes;
4. Require background checks for owners /operators of these homes similar to those
required for owners /operators of substance abuse treatment providers, assisted
living facilities, adult family -care homes and adult day care centers, and
community residential homes; and
5. Ensure that certain life safety standards similar to those already in place for the homes
and facilities referenced above are followed in order to keep residents safe; and
WHEREAS, the community housing component of licensed day or night treatment facilities is
already licensed pursuant to Chapter 397, Florida Statutes, and such housing performs the same
function as a sober house; and
WHEREAS, uniform regulation of sober houses will provide safety to a disadvantaged group
and protect both the residents and their surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council determines that the regulation of sober houses would be in the best
interests of and protect the health, safety and welfare of its residents, both temporary and permanent.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby ratified and incorporated herein.
Section 2. The Village Council of the Village of North Palm Beach urges the Florida
Legislature and the Governor to support the regulation and licensing of recovery residences
(sober houses) located throughout the State of Florida.
Section 3. The Village Council directs that a copy of this Resolution shall be provided to the
Governor, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, the Palm Beach County
Legislative Delegation, the Florida League of Cities, and the Palm Beach County League of Cities.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 27th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2014
(Village Seal)
ATTEST:
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