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A new law will start on July 1, allowing property owners to remove someone who shouldn't be on their property. Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 621 in Orlando recently, which aims to stop people from illegally living on properties in Florida.
This law is all about protecting the rights of property owners. It gives homeowners ways to deal with squatters and also punishes them.
DeSantis stated, "We are putting a stop to the trickery of squatters in Florida. While some other states are supporting squatters, we are standing up for property owners and punishing those trying to cheat the system."
Here's how the new law will work: If someone is on your property without permission, you can ask a police officer to remove them. But first, you need to call the sheriff and file a complaint to prove that you own the property. If the officer confirms your ownership, they can make the squatter leave.
According to HB 621, the squatter must have entered the property without permission, been told by the owner to leave, and not be a current or former tenant in a legal dispute with the owner.
But there's a detail to note: If an officer has to stay and make sure the squatter leaves peacefully, the property owner will have to pay a fee.
Squatters can get into serious trouble under this law. For instance:
- Trying to sell or rent a property they don't own is a a first-degree felony.
- Causing more than $1,000 in damage while squatting is a second-degree felony.
- Making a false written claim to obtain property is a first-degree misdemeanor.
All these rules will be in effect starting July 1.