Florida Squatting Law
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law that eliminates squatters’ rights in the state, increasing penalties against offenders and allowing property owners to quickly remove squatters. The law will take effect on July 1.
Key Points
- Florida is the first state to address squatting issues head-on
- Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in support of the bill
- Squatters will be considered criminals and con artists
Pros
- Property owners can now call on the sheriff’s office to immediately remove squatters
- Harsher penalties against squatters who damage a home or fraudulently sell/lease a property
Cons
- Squatters will now face criminal charges for illegally moving into a home