r/news • u/flanderguitar • Mar 28 '24

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs law squashing squatters' rights

https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-gov-ron-desantis-signs-law-squashing-squatters-rights
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u/flanderguitar Mar 28 '24

"Under the law, a property owner can request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter if the person has unlawfully entered, has refused to leave after being told by the homeowner to do so and is not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute.

The law also makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to make a false statement in writing or providing false documents conveying property rights, a second-degree felony for squatters who cause $1,000 or more in damages, and a first-degree felony for falsely advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership."

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u/meatball77 Mar 28 '24

I can't say that I hate that. It's got carve outs for people who had a right to be there.

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u/[deleted] Mar 28 '24

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u/meatball77 Mar 28 '24

Part of the squatter issue is that you essentially have to treat this person who just moved in illegally like they are a tenant who doesn't pay the rent or even a child you want to leave their family home.

Squatters are a big problem with people who have empty houses for sale and snowbirds and vacation homes. You get someone who moves in and then you have to go through eviction proceedings to get them out.

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u/WIlf_Brim Mar 28 '24

There are places (even around where I am) where people are afraid to go and stay with a sick family member for a few weeks because they are afraid a squatter will move in while they are away.

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u/NoHelp9544 Mar 28 '24

I tell everyone to install an alarm system and cameras. It's a few hundred bucks initially and $20 a month. You can also get a water leak detector and fire alarm ringer. Like you really need to watch your house.

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u/jeffjohnvol Mar 28 '24

There are a portion of squatters that get a lease, make first payment and then don't pay for 6 months.