The New Florida Squatters Law Went Into Effect on July 1, 2024

Property owners in Florida have long faced challenges with unauthorized individuals occupying residential properties and refusing to leave. This issue, often referred to as squatting, places an undue financial and legal burden on the property owner. Squatting can result in lost rental income, property damage, and legal complications. To address these growing concerns, the Florida Legislature passed HB 621, a new squatters law in Florida, effective July 1, 2024. This law strengthens property owners' rights and streamlines the eviction process in Florida for unauthorized occupants.

What is a Squatter?

A squatter is someone who occupies an abandoned or uninhabited property without the owner’s consent. Squatting is illegal in most cases because the squatter has no legal right to the property. However, in some rare cases, squatters can claim ownership of a property through a legal principle known as adverse possession. For squatters to gain ownership, they must meet strict legal criteria, including continuous and open use of the property for a certain number of years and payment of property taxes.

Squatters often target vacant properties left unattended for long periods. These properties are especially vulnerable if the owner does not conduct regular inspections or live nearby. As a result, property owners may find it challenging to reclaim their property without going through a formal eviction notice. This is a problem not only in Florida but throughout the United States. When was squatters rights created and why? Let’s take a deeper look into this. 

Overview of the New Squatters Bill in Florida

On March 27, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 621 into law. This new squatters law in Florida aims to assist property owners in removing unauthorized occupants more efficiently and provides clearer guidelines for local law enforcement. It allows the local police to act more swiftly to remove squatters during the eviction process.

Key provisions of the law include:

• Immediate Evictions: The new state law HB 621 gives property owners a faster route to evict squatters who do not have legal ownership or unlawfully occupy the real property and cannot brandish a lease agreement. This reduces delays in the legal process. Under certain conditions, squatters must vacate the property within 24 hours after receiving the eviction notice.
• Property Damage Protection: Squatters often cause damage to properties, which owners must repair before renting or selling. The new law enables property owners to seek restitution for damages caused by squatters during their illegal stay.
• Increased Penalties for Squatting: The law imposes stricter penalties (up to 20 years) for those caught illegally occupying properties, aiming to deter future squatters and protect property owners.

Squatting as Protest: A Historical Perspective

While squatting is often associated with illegal activities, it has also been used historically as a form of protest. Squatting movements have emerged in various parts of the world, drawing attention to housing shortages, economic inequality, and homelessness. Some of the most famous squatting movements include:

• The Lower East Side Squats in New York City: During the 1980s and 1990s, abandoned buildings in New York’s Lower East Side were occupied by squatters who opposed the city’s lack of affordable housing.
• London’s Frestonia Squatters: In the 1970s, a group of squatters in London’s Freston Road declared independence from the UK in protest of poor housing conditions.
• The Barcelona Okupa Movement: In Spain, the Okupa movement grew out of opposition to housing crises and corporate ownership of vacant buildings.

Though squatting as a form of protest highlights broader societal issues, the new law primarily targets unauthorized occupancy of private homes and rental properties. It’s essential to know the difference between common law and law on squatters and legal squatters’ rights in various regions, such as squatters rights Alabama.

How Allegiant Management Group Helps Property Owners

At Allegiant Management Group, we specialize in property management in Florida and have extensive experience handling legal matters such as squatting. We help property owners navigate the complexities of the new law and protect their investments. Here’s how we can assist:

• Legal Guidance: We collaborate with experienced attorneys to guide property owners through the eviction process, ensuring squatters are removed as quickly as possible.
• Regular Property Inspections: Regular inspections are key to preventing squatters from occupying your property.
• Thorough Tenant Screening: We conduct background checks on potential tenants, minimizing the risk of leasing to problematic individuals.
• Vacant Home Management: We offer vacant home management services. These services can be customized for your needs. This includes property inspections and making sure the property is secure and maintained.
• 24/7 Support: Our property management team is available around the clock to address concerns and act quickly if squatters are identified on your property.

Preventing Squatters: Tips for Property Owners

Even with the new law in place, it’s important for property owners to take proactive steps to prevent squatters from targeting their properties. Below are some practical tips:

• Maintain Regular Visits: Regularly visit or inspect your property to deter squatters. If you can’t do this yourself, hire a property management company. This helps ensure no one has lived on the property unauthorized for an extended period.
• Secure the Property: Ensure all entry points are securely locked. Consider installing security cameras or alarms.
• Engage Neighbors: Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your property if it remains vacant.
• Post “No Trespassing” Signs: Posting visible legal notices can support your case in court if squatters attempt to claim adverse possession.
• Hire a Property Management Firm: Professional property managers help monitor and manage your property, preventing unauthorized occupants.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Property with Professional Management

The New Florida Squatters Law (HB 621) provides much-needed protection for property owners, streamlining the eviction process and empowering law enforcement to act more quickly. We are expecting other states to follow suit, with laws such as squatters rights Alabama expected to gain more attention. At Allegiant Management Group, we offer professional property management services to help keep your property secure and address any issues related to squatters.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your property management needs, including navigating the new law or if you have unauthorized occupants.

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