Squatters “Rights” Changing in Florida

You may have heard that the issue of Squatting has become a problem in numerous states across the country. Recently, some individuals have even taken to social media platforms to promote the practice of squatting in unoccupied or abandoned homes. Many times, these people have invaded vacation homes and taken up residence there while the owners are away.

For years, the laws have made it difficult, if not impossible to remove squatters, even through the courts system. Laws protecting the residents (even those who obtained the property illegally) make evicting those squatters extremely difficult for the actual property owners. So how is this changing in Florida?

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) of Florida signed HB 621 which is changing how Floridians will deal with squatters. Under this new legislation, squatters will face harsher penalties, home owner rights will be upheld and law enforcement will be empowered to remove squatters under certain circumstances.

Under HB 621, a property owner can request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter from their property if the following conditions are met:

•   The individual has unlawfully entered and remains on the property;
•   The individual has been directed to leave the property by the owner but has not done so; and
•   The individual is not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute.

Many property owners and property management companies celebrated this win for the State of Florida which is putting the rights of legal property owners ahead of those rights given to squatters who have have taken illegal possession of other people’s properties.

We’d love to hear what you think about this change in Florida and if you think other states should follow suit.

For more information or to learn about our services, contact us via email at Rafael@Amador.RealEstate or text (954) 710-2345.