On March 27, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 621, new legislation which provides homeowners with remedies against squatting, and which increases penalties on squatters. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2024.
“We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system.”
Under HB 621, a property owner can request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter from their property if the following conditions are met:
- The individual has unlawfully entered and remains on the property;
- The individual has been directed to leave the property by the owner but has not done so; and
- The individual is not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute.
The bill creates a new section under the Florida Statutes, codified as F.S. 82.036. Under the new section, a property owner or their agent can request the sheriff immediately remove a person unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling when certain conditions are met.
To request the immediate removal of an unlawful occupant of a residential dwelling, the property owner or agent must submit a complaint by presenting a completed and verified Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property to the sheriff of the county in which the real property is located. Further, Section 82.036(3) provides a form complaint which must be used in connection with this request.
Although F.S. 82.063 provides a new expedited method to remove occupants, landlords who improperly use the method may subject themselves to civil or criminal penalties. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure the method is only used when it is proper to do so.
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READY LEGAL 