Florida Takes Steps to Combat Squatters

A new law in Florida gives law enforcement officials more power to remove squatters and increases criminal penalties for offenders, providing homeowners with tools to protect their property and streamline the eviction process.

With the implementation of a new bill, Florida is taking a firm stance against squatters, empowering state law enforcement officials and strengthening penalties for those engaging in property crimes. The legislation, known as HB 621, went into effect on Monday, providing homeowners with a more efficient and cost-effective means of removing unauthorized occupants from their properties.

Under the old system, removing a squatter involved a lengthy court process that could take approximately a month and required expensive legal representation. However, the new law allows law enforcement officers to circumvent the court process and carry out evictions under specific conditions.

Florida Takes Steps to Combat Squatters

To qualify for expedited removal, the squatter must have unlawfully entered the property, been asked to leave by the homeowner, and cannot be a current or former tenant or an immediate family member of the homeowner. Once these criteria are met and ownership is verified by officials, the sheriff must remove the squatter within 24 hours.

The legislation also increases penalties for those who "encourage or engage in squatting." Those who forge leases or other proof of residence will face a first-degree misdemeanor, while those who cause $1,000 or more in property damage during their occupancy now face a second-degree misdemeanor.

Florida Takes Steps to Combat Squatters

"Somebody breaks into the house, destroys the house, that's [the type of person] the governor intended [to police with this law]," said attorney Kevin Fabrikant, supervisor of Florida's Eviction Law Firm. "Those people cause immeasurable damages."

Anyone who knowingly advertises the sale or rent of residential property without permission from the owner will now be subject to a first-degree felony.

Florida Takes Steps to Combat Squatters

"Sometimes, Bob Squatter turns around and finds some people," Fabrikant said. "Now you have to remove Bob Squatter and all these random people who [may not be aware that they're illegally living on the property]."

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder believes the new law will significantly improve the situation. "There's a real technicality when you go out to a home, and somebody proffers that they live there, then the legitimate owner has to prove that it's their house," he said. "It gives us teeth to enforce the law and to return the home to the rightful owner."

Florida Takes Steps to Combat Squatters

The new law aims to protect property owners and deter squatters from exploiting legal loopholes. Fabikant advises potential squatters, "If you're a squatter, I wouldn't come to Florida to live."