Florida Priest Faces Over $500,000 Fine for Feeding the Homeless

Father Bob Caudill has run a soup kitchen for 36 years, but local authorities say it violates zoning rules.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Florida priest named Father Bob Caudill is facing over $500,000 in fines for refusing to stop feeding the homeless through his soup kitchen at All Saints Catholic Mission in Oakland Park. The conflict began in 2014 when the city rezoned the area, ruling the soup kitchen was no longer compliant. Despite daily fines that have exceeded $500,000, Father Caudill has continued his ministry, saying it is core to his religious beliefs to help those in need.

Why it matters

This case has sparked a national debate over the balance between religious freedom, local zoning laws, and the needs of the homeless community. Supporters argue that penalizing a church for charitable work is wrong, while critics say cities must enforce regulations consistently, especially in redevelopment areas.

The details

In 2014, Oakland Park rezoned the Powerline area as part of a redevelopment plan, ruling that Father Caudill's soup kitchen at All Saints Catholic Mission was no longer compliant without new permits. The city ordered the ministry to stop distributing meals, but Father Caudill refused, saying it was core to his religious mission to help the homeless. Since then, the city has imposed daily fines of $105-$125, with the total exceeding $500,000. The city has also placed a lien on the mission's building, putting the property at risk.

  • In 2014, Oakland Park rezoned the Powerline area and ruled the soup kitchen was no longer compliant.
  • Since 2014, the city has imposed daily fines on the mission for continuing to feed the homeless.

The players

Father Bob Caudill

A Florida priest who has run the All Saints Catholic Mission soup kitchen for 36 years, feeding the homeless daily.

All Saints Catholic Mission

A church in Oakland Park, Florida that has operated a soup kitchen for the homeless for 36 years.

Oakland Park

The city in Florida that rezoned the Powerline area in 2014, ruling the soup kitchen was no longer compliant and imposing daily fines on the mission for continuing to operate it.

Jeremiah Williams

A homeless individual who relies on the All Saints Catholic Mission soup kitchen for meals, showers, and a sense of routine as he works to rebuild his life.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Christ was very clear about us helping his people. It doesn't matter what stage of life or who you are. Everybody's just a child of God.”

— Father Bob Caudill, Priest

“I come here to take showers. I come here to eat breakfast and lunch. I don't know any other church or any other pastor that will help us the way that he has.”

— Jeremiah Williams, Homeless Individual

What’s next

Father Caudill says he is preparing to return to court to sue the city of Oakland Park to stop the fines and harassment over the soup kitchen.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex tensions between religious freedom, local government regulations, and the needs of vulnerable homeless populations. It raises questions about whether zoning laws should restrict charitable work by religious organizations, and whether cities can consistently enforce rules without unduly harming those they are meant to serve.