Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is a proud Republican. Even after his abysmal failure in running for the GOP Presidential nomination, he has kept his spirit high. Part of that is his American-first attitude. So when a video on TikTok went viral of an illegal telling other border jumpers about “squatters rights,” DeSantis wanted to respond in kind. Instead of making his own video, though, he made a law.
According to DeSantis, “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. If you are the victim of squatting you can simply fill out a form, give it to your local sheriff, and the sheriff is instructed to go and remove the people who are inhabiting your dwelling illegally.”
While previous processes to remove squatters went through the courts and took significant time and resources, HB 621 will make the process streamlined for property owners. Going into effect on July 1st, having squatters removed from your property with sheriffs will ultimately make the process easier and faster. By protecting Floridians from illegals and bums, DeSantis is doing what needs to be done.
Additionally, three new crimes were created with this bill. It is now a first-degree misdemeanor to make a false statement in writing to obtain real property or for knowingly and willfully presenting a falsified document conveying property rights. 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. Lastly, a first-degree felony for knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership.
