Squatters have long been a threat to homeowners in the state of Florida, but thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis, their days of invading and occupying property without permission are soon coming to an end.
On Wednesday, Governor DeSantis signed a bill into law that will effectively put an end to squatters’ rights in the state of Florida. The new legislation, set to take effect on July 1, will increase penalties for those who occupy a building without the property owner’s approval and empower law enforcement to immediately remove any unlawful tenants who do not have an authorized lease.
At a press conference in Orlando, Governor DeSantis spoke directly to homeowners who have been victimized by squatters, saying, “We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida. While other states are siding with squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system.”
This new law is a relief for many landlords who have struggled with the difficult and often lengthy process of evicting squatters from their properties. One such landlord, Patti Peeples, has been vocal in her support for the new legislation. Peeples experienced firsthand the frustration and financial burden of having squatters on her property and was instrumental in shaping the new law.
In an interview with NewsNation, Peeples expressed her hope that other states would follow Florida’s lead in protecting property owners from this predatory behavior. “I want every state and every legislature to hear that this is a bipartisan bill that jointly protects legitimate renters. It protects homeowners, and the only one it’s targeting are the squatters,” she said.
Under the new law, squatters who present false housing documents, cause damage to the property or knowingly advertise the sale or rent of a property they do not legally own will face stricter penalties. This includes fines and even felony charges, depending on the severity of the offense.
It’s worth stating the obvious: Conservatives identified a legitimate problem—squatters depriving homeowners of their fundamental right to property—and DeSantis immediately solved it. No fanfare, no bloviating, no fundraising emails. Just: “Problem solved. Next up.” https://t.co/bsPWEaf7e8
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 27, 2024
Governor DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are sending a clear message to squatters: their illegal actions will not be tolerated, and the rights of property owners will be protected. This is a welcome change for homeowners who have been forced to deal with this issue for far too long.
Thanks to the swift action of Governor DeSantis and the passing of HB 621, the days of squatters taking advantage of Florida’s lax laws are over. This new law is a victory for homeowners and a reminder that in Florida, the rights of property owners will be respected and upheld.
