New FL Law Stops 'Squatters Scam,' Benefits Owner Rights: DeSantis

FLORIDA — Authorities in Florida will be able to remove squatters at the request of property owners and end the "squatters scam" under a new law signed Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"(House Bill) 621 gives property owners the ability to request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter from their property and creates harsh penalties for those who encourage squatting and teach others the scam," DeSantis said in a Facebook post Wednesday. "We have no tolerance for squatters looking to game the system in Florida. I was proud to sign this bill today and side with law-abiding homeowners."

A property owner can fill out a form that will be turned in at their local sheriff's office, and the sheriff can then go and remove the suspected squatter from the home, DeSantis said at a Wednesday news conference.

The stipulations of HB 621 (also know as the Property Rights Bill) say authorities can remove squatters if:

• The person has unlawfully entered and remains on the property;
• The person has been directed to leave the property by the owner but has not done so; and
• The person is not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute.

Furthermore, the ramifications of the new law are as follows:

• 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;
• 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
• A first-degree felony for knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership.

HB 621 will help property owners to reclaim their homes, avoid costly delays, litigation and missed rents, according to a news release from DeSantis' office.

"You are not going to be able to commandeer someone's property and get away with it," DeSantis said at the news conference. "We are ending the squatters scam once and for all."

Squatters are not only a concern in Florida; DeSantis said the issue of squatters stretches nationwide. He noted a recent incident in New York, where a property owner was killed while confronting two squatters.

HB 621, co-sponsored by Florida House Rep. Kevin Steele, will go into effect on July 1.