WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The implementation of a new homelessness law in Florida is fast approaching.

There are only about six weeks left until then, and those responsible are putting their heads together and thinking about what to do next.

The new law in October could help determine where homeless people sleep and whether they get help to get off the streets.

“We want to be proactive and prepared,” said Ezra Krieg, a member of the Palm Beach County Homeless Advisory Council, at an Aug. 15 meeting.

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As the days and weeks of summer pass, the Palm Beach County Homeless Advisory Council is considering a new law affecting the homeless and the consequences of noncompliance.

“Everything is going to go crazy. Businesses are going to sue. I mean, they’re just waiting for it,” said another member of the Palm Beach County Advisory Board.

Under the new state law, which takes effect on October 1, Florida counties and municipalities are prohibited from regularly allowing people to camp or camp overnight in public places.

This means that counties and cities must find a place for the homeless to sleep or face lawsuits from individuals, businesses or the Florida Attorney General.

“The demographics of the homeless have changed. It’s not just people with health conditions or substance abuse disorders. It’s people who can’t afford their housing,” said Tammy Fields, deputy administrator for Palm Beach County.

Cities and counties have the option of setting up homeless camps with running water and 24-hour security. But officials in Palm Beach County don’t want to do that.

But one official had a different idea.

“I think there is an opportunity to use some unused spaces (in vacant buildings) just for overnight accommodation,” said Carol Jones-Gilbert of the Palm Beach County Housing Authority.

Fields said the county plans to put up signs in parks telling homeless people not to sleep there and give them a phone number to call if they need help.

She says they are also proposing an increase in the number of parking attendants, especially between midnight and 6 a.m.

“Our approach will always be to treat the homeless people we encounter with dignity and respect. That has to be our first priority,” Fields said.

Palm Beach County commissioners will host a homelessness workshop in September to further discuss plans to address homeless populations after the law takes effect on October 1.

According to the law, counties and cities cannot be sued until January 1st. This gives them a little more time to decide how to proceed.