In past years, squatting became a significant concern and a major financial cost in Florida, particularly in Broward County. However, the state has finally taken decisive action to address this problem, with Governor Ron DeSantis signing HB 621 into law on March 27, 2024. This legislation, aimed at ending the squatters scam in Florida, has profoundly impacted how Broward County deals with squatters. With the law going into effect on 07/01/2024, the message already seems to be getting out, "Don't Squat in Florida."
The New Legislation The new law, HB 621, protects property rights, provides homeowners with remedies against squatting, and increases penalties on squatters. It allows a property owner to request law enforcement to remove a squatter from their property under certain conditions immediately. These conditions include the individual unlawfully entering and remaining on the property, being directed to leave the property by the owner but not doing so, and not being a current or former tenant in a legal dispute.
The law also introduces harsh penalties for those engaged in squatting and those who encourage squatting and teach others the scam. For instance, it is now a first-degree misdemeanour to make a false statement in writing to obtain tangible property or for knowingly and willfully presenting a falsified document conveying property rights. It is a second-degree felony for anyone who unlawfully occupies or trespasses in a residential dwelling and intentionally causes $1,000 or more in damages. Furthermore, it is a first-degree felony to knowingly advertise the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership.
In Broward, the impact of this legislation has been significant. For instance, in a case involving a $1 million Fort Lauderdale home, law enforcement removed 10 people who illegally took over the property, leaving it bug-infested and damaged. The Broward County Sheriff's Office evicted seven men, two women, and a child from the home after it was discovered they were illegally squatting.
The new law has also helped unravel alleged crime rings. In one case, investigators were able to uncover a title fraud operation led by Tyrone Jones. Jones allegedly created a fake person to become executor of the Fort Lauderdale property, allowing him to illegally take ownership of the $1 million property. Jones allegedly carried out similar fraud with 14 other properties in the area that are worth a combined $14 million.
Key Impacts of the New Law:
Quick Reclamation of Property: The law has made it quick and simple for homeowners to reclaim their property from squatters, thus avoiding costly delays, litigation, and missed rent.
Increased Law Enforcement Authority: The law has strengthened law enforcement's ability to act, granting police the authority to remove squatters promptly.
Harsher Penalties for Squatters: The law has introduced harsh penalties for those engaged in squatting and for those who encourage squatting and teach others about scams. For instance, it is now a first-degree misdemeanor to make a false statement in writing to obtain real property or to knowingly and willfully present a falsified document conveying property rights. It is a second-degree felony for any person who unlawfully occupies or trespasses in a residential dwelling and who intentionally causes $1,000 or more in damages.
Closure of Loopholes: The law has closed many of the loopholes that squatters have historically exploited to remain illegally in possession of property.
Protection of Property Rights: The law has significantly protected property owners and punished criminals looking to game the system
The immediate effects of Florida's new anti-squatter law have mainly been positive, providing a robust response to the issue of squatting and ensuring the protection of property rights. The new laws have provided Broward County with the tools necessary to deal with the issue of squatting effectively.
By protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system, the state is leading the nation in securing against squatters. As a result, Broward County is now better equipped to handle this issue, ensuring the rights of property owners are upheld, and the integrity of the housing market is maintained.
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I have problems with squatters up here in Duval county I bought my home had to go out of town for 2 weeks for work came back people were living in my house it's taking me almost a year and a half to pay and fix the damages that caused to my house tore up both bathrooms ripped down all the ceiling fans busted windows tore up the kitchen it's like oh my God nothing I don't see how they thought they had the right to be here let alone tear my place up police for no help but I made sure the police was here and me and my friends put them out they stayed out
Jimbo
05-27
If I found squatters in my place, 1911, will get rid of them quick
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