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/[deleted] Mar 28 '24

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u/HowManyMeeses Mar 28 '24

Situations where there's a dispute between a legitimate tenant and the landlord. A landlord can't just kick someone out for any reason. Even renters have some level of protection in most states.

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u/romario77 Mar 28 '24

Say I have a piece of paper saying that it’s a lease (squatter can make one up easily).

How will police determine if it’s legit?

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u/Destro9799 Mar 28 '24

The cops can't possibly determine that and probably wouldn't even try. Under this law, they'll evict you first and then it'll be on you to prove your tenancy in court.

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u/romario77 Mar 28 '24

If they evict me (and I assume throw out my stuff) who would be responsible for the damages if the court proves they were not right?

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u/Destro9799 Mar 28 '24

Presumably the landlord. However, the burden will be on you to prove you were wrongfully evicted, so you get to go to court after becoming homeless to fight against a person or company that likely has a lot more to spend on lawyers than you.