DeSantis signs bill combatting ‘squatters’ rights in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Orlando Wednesday afternoon where he signed a bill aimed at addressing the escalating issue of squatters’ rights within the state and increasingly affecting communities nationwide.

Squatters, which are defined as individuals unlawfully occupying vacant structures or unused land, face heightened scrutiny under House Bill 621, which empowers law enforcement to expel them without the necessity of a lease sanctioned by the property owner. Often times, squatters will present fake leases or claims of ownership.

Earlier this month, the Florida Legislature passed a bill unanimously through both chambers, granting law enforcement the authority to promptly evict squatters—a notable departure from the protracted legal proceedings that are usually required in other states.

“You’re not going to come here and stay on someone’s property,” said DeSantis. “That’s not going to happen in the state of Florida. We’re providing very swift remedies for people who are violating homeowners.”

The legislation introduces criminal penalties for such actions. Presently, landlords often endure costly legal battles to dislodge squatters under the prevailing statutes.

Kevin Harris, who encountered difficulties evicting a squatter from his Miami Beach apartment in 2021, expressed optimism about the new legislation.

You’re having to make payments for insurance and taxes and you’ve got some person freeloading,” he said. “You feel like your hands are tied. I hope and pray this is a positive move for the state of Florida.”

Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar lauded the new law, emphasizing its significance in combating property crimes.

“It also does a great thing by creating three new criminal statutes to really hold people accountable,” he said.

Statutes include fines for damage and criminal charges for fake leases and deeds and any attempts to sell stolen property.

Vivian Gallinal, a crimes against property investigator, acknowledged the challenges faced by victims beyond criminal proceedings.

“They wanna know how they can get their house back, what legal routes they have to take and it’s really sometimes sad to tell them. However, the new law empowers law enforcement to expel squatters efficiently, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles,” she said.

“A lot of times these victims need help beyond the criminal part,” Gallinal added. They wanna know how they can get their house back, what legal routes they have to take and it’s really sometimes sad to tell them, ‘Oh, you’re gonna have to go the civil route to try to get an eviction or a writ of possession or whatever it is that they may need.’”

The law will take into effect on July 1.

Watch the press conference here:

Related media