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Article
Courtesy of CBS News Miami
By
News Service Florida
Published March 29, 2024
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WATCH VIDEO |
MIAMI - Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at quickly
removing residential "squatters."
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During an appearance at the Orange County State
Attorney's Office, DeSantis said that under the measure (HB
621), "If you're 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. And that will
happen very quickly."
The bill, in part, could lead to second-degree felony charges for squatters
who intentionally cause at least $1,000 in damage. It also could lead to
first-degree felony charges against people who sell or lease residential
property they don't own.
The law will go into effect July 1.
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The governor also said, "We are putting an end to the
squatters scam in Florida. While other states are siding with the squatters,
we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game
the system."
"Florida is once again leading the nation, this time in securing our state
against squatters," said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
Under the new law, a property owner can request law enforcement to
immediately remove a squatter from their property if the following
conditions are met:
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The individual has unlawfully entered and remains on
the property
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The individual has been directed to leave the
property by the owner but has not done so; and
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The individual is not a current or former tenant in a
legal dispute.
The law also creates harsh penalties for those engaged in
squatting and for those who encourage squatting and teach others the scam.
The law makes it:
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A first-degree misdemeanor for making a false
statement in writing to obtain real property or for knowingly and
willfully presenting a falsified document conveying property rights;
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A second-degree felony for any person who unlawfully
occupies or trespasses in a residential dwelling and who intentionally
causes $1,000 or more in damages; and
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A first-degree felony for knowingly advertising the
sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or
ownership.
HB 621 --
PROPERTY RIGHTS |
