In a bid to crack down on squatters and protect property owners, a new bill has gone into effect in Florida, granting state law enforcement officials more power to remove intruders and imposing stricter penalties on offenders. The legislation, known as HB 621, aims to provide homeowners with the necessary tools to safeguard their properties and bypass lengthy court processes.

Governor Ron DeSantis, in a video posted to X, declared that Florida is putting an end to the "squatter scam once and for all" with the passing of the bill. At a press conference held at the Orange County State Attorney's Office after signing the bill in March, DeSantis emphasized the importance of protecting property owners and punishing those attempting to exploit the system. He highlighted instances where individuals would spend part of the year in Florida and leave their homes unoccupied, only to return and find squatters unlawfully residing in their properties.

Under the new law, homeowners can now fill out a form and call law enforcement, instead of going through the lengthy court process. Law enforcement officers, upon receiving an affidavit from the homeowner and meeting certain criteria, can execute evictions without court involvement. The squatter must have unlawfully entered the property, been previously asked to leave by the homeowner, not be a current or former tenant, and not be an immediate relative of the homeowner.

Previously, Florida's legal process for removing squatters was already considered one of the fastest in the country, taking approximately a month. In comparison, other states, such as New York and California, have experienced months-long headaches for homeowners dealing with squatters.

While the previous legal process could be costly for homeowners, requiring a $300 filing fee and expensive legal representation, the new law aims to provide a more affordable option. The standard removal fee with the sheriff's department ranges from $90 in most Florida counties to $115 in Miami.

The new legislation also imposes harsher penalties for those engaging in squatting or encouraging others to do so. Squatters who forge leases or provide false proof of residence can now face first-degree misdemeanors, and individuals causing $1,000 or more in damages while occupying a property may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. Moreover, anyone who knowingly advertises the sale or rent of residential property without owner permission will be subject to a first-degree felony.

Attorney Kevin Fabrikant, supervisor of Florida's Eviction Law Firm, believes the law is designed to target specific scenarios and highlights that it won't apply if homeowners willingly let someone into their property. He also mentioned that the responsibility falls on law enforcement officers to determine whether a person meets the criteria outlined in the law.

While it remains unclear exactly how law enforcement will operate under the new law, the emphasis on protecting private property rights is seen as a crucial step towards maintaining a free society, according to Governor DeSantis. The bill aims to provide more efficient and affordable means for Florida homeowners to protect their properties from squatters.

With the implementation of this new law, Florida homeowners can now feel more secure in protecting their properties and prevent the immeasurable damages caused by squatters.