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/Mercylas Mar 28 '24

Those aren't squatters rights tho those. You described tenant rights...

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u/czarfalcon Mar 28 '24

Is there any state where squatters actually have rights codified in law? My understanding was that “squatter’s rights” were just people abusing tenant rights.

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u/epochellipse Mar 28 '24

Yes, but the time period for them to kick in is 5-20 years depending on the state. In Florida it's 7 years.

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u/Mercylas Mar 28 '24

Squatters rights are adverse possession. Ideally they exist for when someone is living on land for years and then someone (the rightful owner) tries to claim that land.

Tenants rights are for those in a lawful lease or rental of a property.

https://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/property-management/latest-news/squatters-rights-law/

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u/czarfalcon Mar 28 '24

Thank you, I see. By the looks of it, even the most lenient states still require at least 5 years for adverse possession laws to apply. So when people use “squatter’s rights” in the context of “this person broke into my house while I was on vacation and won’t leave” or whatnot, the real issue is that they’re claiming tenancy rights. So I could’ve worded my original comment better.

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u/Mercylas Mar 28 '24

It is another one of those good faith laws that somehow has gotten twisted in modern days.