Here in Orlando, FL, a few years back they passed a law that made begging illegal. Before it was overturned by the courts, what happened was that several of the beggars because doing frankly stupid things and calling themselves street performers. At the time you didn't need a liscense to be a stret performer. Because of the the men who were trying to "beat the system," Street performing was nearly outlawed as well. Now, you not only need a liscense, you can only doing in certain lplaces and for only a short period of time (the liscenses are set up for specific events, such as a public performance in the band shell) You cannot lay out your hat for $$.

Since the begging law was overturned, the city set up "blue zones" Spraypainted areas about 30 feet square in a few places in Downtown. People are allowed to beg in those spots only. Street performers are still restricted even more than that.

Politicians are stupid.