SARASOTA, Fla. – In a move to protect property owners, Gov. DeSantis signed two new pieces of legislation aimed at combating squatting.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at The Westin Sarasota, which was also a signing ceremony of Senate Bills 322 and 606.
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With the issue of squatting gaining national attention in states like California, DeSantis noted that Florida has seen its share of problems, where individuals illegally occupy homes, often taking advantage of property owners who may be seasonal residents.
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“We are not going to let people’s private residences, even if it’s a vacation home, be commandeered by people who don’t have a right to be there,” DeSantis said.
The legislation aims to streamline the process for property owners to reclaim their homes. Under the new laws, local law enforcement will have the necessary tools to remove unauthorized occupants quickly, which is particularly important in areas with seasonal residents, where property owners may return to find their homes occupied.
“You show up in October, and you see some family just living in your house or something, that they had no right to be there," DeSantis said. "I think you would want to just call the sheriff, say, ‘Hey, I’ve got somebody squatting in my house.'"
Senate Bill 322 specifically addresses squatting on commercial properties, providing a more efficient means for owners to regain possession of their properties.
Additionally, Senate Bill 606 strengthens the rights of hotel and motel owners when dealing with uncooperative guests. The bill clarifies that a guest’s stay is considered transient unless a written agreement states otherwise. This change aims to prevent guests from squatting in hotels without paying.