Understanding the New Squatters Bill in Florida: What Property Owners Should Know

[Alex Zweydoff]

Property owners in Florida have faced significant challenges with squatters unlawfully occupying their properties. To address these issues, the Florida state legislature proposed a bill during the 2024 legislative session to provide relief and clearer guidelines for property owners. The bill passed in the House and Senate without opposition. Here’s what you need to know about the new squatters bill in Florida and how it impacts property management in Florida.

Overview of the New Squatters Bill

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 621, the new squatters bill, into law on March 27, 2024. The bill aims to help property owners by streamlining the process of removing squatters and protecting private property rights. The new law is effective on Monday, July 1, 2024, in the State of Florida.

Key Provisions of HB 621

• Expedited Eviction Process: HB 621 fast-tracks the process for evicting squatters. Property owners can file for an emergency court hearing, significantly reducing the time required to remove squatters.

• Stricter Penalties: Squatters found guilty of unlawful occupation face stricter penalties, including hefty fines or jail time, serving as a strong deterrent against squatting.

• Clear Definition of Squatting: The new law defines squatting clearly, distinguishing between illegal occupation and tenant-landlord disputes. This ensures fair application of the law.

• Stronger Owner Rights: Property owners have stronger rights to reclaim their property quickly after removing a squatter, avoiding long legal battles.

Impact on Property Owners

The new squatters bill is a significant advancement for property owners in Florida. Here’s how it benefits you:

• Faster Evictions: The expedited eviction process minimizes financial losses from unpaid rent and property damage caused by squatters.

• Increased Security: Enhanced penalties act as a deterrent, helping to keep your property secure from unlawful occupation.

• Legal Clarity: Knowing the clear definition of squatting and having stronger rights as an owner can help property owners feel more confident and informed.

• Peace of Mind: Robust legal protections provide peace of mind, allowing property owners to focus on effective property management.

Understanding Squatters Rights in Florida

Understanding squatters rights in Florida is crucial for property owners. The new law clarifies and strengthens the current laws surrounding squatting, offering clearer guidelines for property owners and law enforcement. Squatters rights in Florida have been complex, but the new legislation simplifies the process and provides robust protection for property owners.

[Drew Sygit]

How does it address situaitons where occupants either have a fake lease or got scammed by someone posing as the landlord?

In Metro Detroit area, police will not remove these types of occupants (they are afraid of scamming landlord having police remove legal tenants), calling them a "civil matter" forcing landlord to start court eviction process.

[Jay Hinrichs]

Quote from @Drew Sygit:

How does it address situaitons where occupants either have a fake lease or got scammed by someone posing as the landlord?

In Metro Detroit area, police will not remove these types of occupants (they are afraid of scamming landlord having police remove legal tenants), calling them a "civil matter" forcing landlord to start court eviction process.

thats a good question Drew.. but I bet if the police are aloud just a little bit of fact checking and do police work they can determine the fraud very quickly..  All states need this.. 

[Alex Zweydoff]

Quote from @Drew Sygit:

How does it address situaitons where occupants either have a fake lease or got scammed by someone posing as the landlord?

In Metro Detroit area, police will not remove these types of occupants (they are afraid of scamming landlord having police remove legal tenants), calling them a "civil matter" forcing landlord to start court eviction process.

Here is some of the guidelines local police departments have put out regarding enforcement. 
• The requesting person is the property owner or authorized agent of the property owner.
• The real property that is being occupied includes a residential dwelling.
• An unauthorized person or persons have unlawfully entered and remain or continue to reside on the property owner's property.
• The real property was not open to members of the public at the time the unauthorized person or persons entered.
• The property owner has directed the unauthorized person to leave the property.
• The unauthorized person or persons are not current or former tenants pursuant to a written or oral rental agreement authorized by the property owner.
• The unauthorized person or persons are not immediate family members of the property owner.
• There is no pending litigation related to the real property between the property owner and any known unauthorized person.