Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law on Wednesday to effectively end squatters’ rights in the state of Florida.
“We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement. “While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system.”
The legislation, set to take effect July 1, will increase penalties for occupying a building without the landlords’ approval and empower police to immediately remove any unlawful tenants who don’t have an authorized lease.
“If you are the victim of squatting you can simply fill out a form, give it to your local sheriff and the sheriff is instructed to go and remove the people who are inhabiting your dwelling illegally,” the Republican governor told homeowners at a press conference in Orlando, Fla.
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to End the Squatters Scam & Protect Homeowners https://t.co/MjqOKiAHPZ
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 27, 2024
The signing of HB 621 comes as landlords across the nation have struggled to evict squatters from their homes. One such landlord played an instrumental role in helping shape the new legislation.
Florida homeowner Patti Peeples, who has first-hand experience with squatters living on her property, implored Florida lawmakers to change the law that did not protect her rights. She was eventually able to evict two women who moved into her home with false documents, but the landlord took issue with the inefficient legal process that failed to prevent $40,000 in damages.
Pleased with Florida’s effort to rectify the issue, Peeples hopes other states consider similar laws.
“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 told NewsNation.
Under HB 621, a first-degree misdemeanor will be served to any squatter who presents false housing documents such as a lease agreement or deed and a second-degree felony to anyone who causes $1,000 or more in damages to the property. The bill also deals a first-degree felony to a squatter who knowingly advertises the sale or rent of a property without legal authority or ownership.