Florida Gov. DeSantis signs anti-squatters bill into law

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that he promises will “put an end to the squatter scam” in Florida.

DeSantis signed House Bill 621, which allows a property owner to ask law enforcement to remove squatters from properties and creates penalties for those who violate the law. 

The law would not apply to former or current tenants involved in a legal dispute with the landlord. The property owner has to have directed the squatter to leave the property before calling the police, and the individual must have unlawfully entered the property. 

The properties have to include a residential dwelling unit, so the law wouldn’t apply to vacant land, for example. 

If someone falsely claims in writing to have property rights for the home, like having a fake lease or deed, they could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor under HB 621. Those who unlawfully occupy or trespass and cause $1,000 or more in damages will face second-degree felony charges. And anyone who knowingly advertises a residential property for sale or rent without the authority to do so will face a first-degree felony charge. 

Squatters will sometimes present fake leases or deeds when they’re caught, delaying a lengthy court process so that property owners can eventually have them evicted, attorneys say. 

DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have been on a roll passing laws affecting the real estate industry, the majority of which are pro-development. This week, the governor signed Senate Bill 1526, which makes it easier to demolish aging coastal properties in the state. 

He’s also expected to sign into law amendments to the Live Local Act, legislation passed last year that incentivizes developers to incorporate workforce housing into their projects, and allows developers to supersede local zoning and density regulations. 

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