On July 1, 2024, new legislation will take effect to help homeowners remove illegal squatters from their property. It is intended to help owners reclaim their property quickly as long as certain conditions apply.
The requirements for requesting the immediate removal of a squatter from a home in Florida are as follows:
1) The requester must be the property owner or an authorized agent of the property owner.
2) The property being occupied includes a residential dwelling.
3) Squatter(s) have unlawfully entered, remain or continue to reside on the property.
4) The property was not open to the public when the squatter(s) entered.
5) The owner has directed the squatter(s) to leave.
6) The squatter(s) are not current or former tenants under a rental agreement authorized by the owner.
7) The squatter(s) are not immediate family members of the owner.
8) There is no pending litigation related to the property between the owner and any known squatter(s).
Meeting all of these conditions allows the property owner or authorized agent to ask the county sheriff for the immediate removal of the squatter(s) from the premises.
Moreover, the legislation incorporates punitive measures aimed at deterring unlawful squatting activities. Individuals who, while squatting, inflict intentional damages exceeding $1,000 upon a residence commit a second-degree felony. Similarly, any squatter who knowingly furnishes falsified lease agreements, deeds, or other documents purporting their entitlement to occupy the property commits a first-degree misdemeanor. Additionally, anyone advertising a property for sale despite lacking legal title or authority to do so faces charges of first-degree felony. Similarly, individuals leasing or renting out property without lawful ownership or leasehold interest are liable for first-degree felony charges.
Source: Florida Realtors New Florida Squatter Law Infographic