Squatting Scourge: Homeowners Fight Back Against Unwanted Tenants

Across the United States, the disturbing trend of squatting is leaving homeowners in despair and financial ruin. Patti Peeples, a Florida homeowner, shares her harrowing experience with squatters and her subsequent journey to raise awareness and advocate for legal protections.

Patti Peeples, a Florida homeowner, fell victim to squatting just as she had received an offer for her property. The ordeal lasted 36 days, leaving her with thousands of dollars in damage and lost income. But Peeples' story doesn't end there.

Her experience spurred her to advocate for legal protections for homeowners against squatters. Her testimony before Florida legislators led to the passage of a bill that gave property rights to homeowners and increased penalties for squatters.

"I certainly would have never anticipated that my personal experience would have motivated a state law change," Peeples told Fox News Digital. "I'm amazed, surprised, and really, really encouraged."

Squatting is a nationwide issue, with no official tracking organization. However, local and national organizations have highlighted the prevalence of squatting tragedies. Peeples' story, shared through local and national news outlets, has inspired other states to take action.

"It's a really great example where my story generated local news interest, local news interest generated national news interest, and national coverage inspired state legislatures to act," Peeples explained.

Peeples' testimony before the Florida Senate and House committees focused on highlighting the vulnerabilities and concerns of homeowners. She emphasized the frustration of being denied access to their own property and the lack of protection from law enforcement.

"Imagine for a moment that you leave from your day of serving the citizens of Florida ... and you return to your home. But when you walk in, there are strangers sitting on your sofa, watching your TV and eating your food," Peeples testified.

"The police arrive, and the strangers present the officers with a document showing they've rented your home, but it was leased by someone you don't know and, in fact, the document isn't even signed."

"The police will not arrest them. They will not remove them from the premises. ... The only way you can retain rights to your home is to move through the civil court system to evict or eject them, which gives those squatters a minimum of 20 days to prove they have the right to be there," she added.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida bill into law in 2024, which went into effect on July 1st of that year. The law protects homeowners' rights, provides remedies against squatters, and increases penalties for squatting.

Peeples emphasized that squatting affects all homeowners, regardless of their political affiliations. "Squatters don't discriminate. ... That's not going to happen anymore in Florida," she said.

Inspired by Florida's success, other states such as New York, South Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, and many others have introduced anti-squatting legislation.

Despite her successful advocacy, Peeples continues to spread awareness about squatting. She has remained a landlord but has become a more vigilant investor.

Peeples' experience serves as a cautionary tale for all homeowners. She emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself against squatters and the need for legal protections that empower homeowners to reclaim their property.