Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an anti-squatting bill on Wednesday, giving homeowners relief and confidence against illegal squatters.
The bill, dubbed HB 621, increases punishment for illegal squatting and makes it easier for homeowners to evict illegal squatters by granting sheriffs the authority to remove them.
A homeowner can seek the help of sheriffs in the removal of an illegal squatter from their home, making it “quick and simple to reclaim your home from squatters, avoiding costly delays, litigation, and missed rents.”
By allowing the arrest of squatters who do not have a lease or proof of paying rent, the new law cuts out lengthy processes of civil court eviction
In a statement announcing his decision to sign the legislation, DeSantis said, “We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida. While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system.”
“You are not going to be able to commandeer somebody’s private property and expect to get away with it. We are, in the state of Florida, ending the squatter scam once and for all,” he also said, per Fox News.
In celebration of the legislation, Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida is once again leading the nation, this time in securing our state against squatters.”
“Biden has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to flood across the border. After video evidence of their plan to take over homes emerged, we’re ensuring Floridians are protected from this egregious and brazen scheme,” Moody said, referring to a viral video posted to TikTok by a Venezuelan who instructed illegal immigrants to “invade” houses.
“I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this important legislation into law, and to Representative Kevin Steele for carrying this bill through Session,” The Republican AG added.
Anti-squatting activist and “professional squatter-remover” Flash Shelton also saw the new law as a “positive step” towards setting a precedent against squatting across the nation, as the anomaly continues to spread, with homeowners frustrated across the country.
Anti-squatting 'professional' celebrates Florida ban, as other state laws frustrate homeowners https://t.co/d9RFtnXwTn
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 28, 2024
Recalling how local law enforcement failed to evict the squatters who was once a thorn in his flesh at his mother’s California house, Shelton said, “I decided to break the laws down and figured out that if they could take a house, I could take a house, and I got my squatters out in less than a day, and I decided to devote the attention I was getting from my YouTube channel to do something good. I announced a year ago I was going to fight for squatter law change, and then I opened up Squatter Hunters to help homeowners get rid of their squatters.”
“As long as we can absolutely detail out the difference between squatting being criminal and tenant rights being civil, then I think it will make the difference and give the homeowners the balance and support that they deserve,” he added.
