New bill protects property owners from squatters, allows police to intervene

FLORIDA – A new law going into effect on July 1 will increase protections for property owners from squatters and will allow police to intervene in squatter situations.

RELATED: Jacksonville squatters finally evicted from home after 40 days leave behind $15K in damage, owners say

Under the new law, a property owner can request police to immediately remove a squatter from their home if the following conditions are met:

1. That person has unlawfully entered and remains on the property
2. They have been directed to leave by the owner, but they have not done so
3. They are not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is requesting the property owner to fill out an online form that will be on its website.

The law also creates harsh penalties for people involved in squatting scams.

For example, a first-degree misdemeanor for making a false statement in writing to obtain a property. And a first-degree felony for knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a home without legal authority or ownership.

RELATED: Jacksonville homeowner launches website to help others avoid unwanted squatter situations

News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said as someone who used to deal with squatting situations, the law will be helpful.

“When you hear these stories that folks tell about their houses and the story News4JAX featured before, just the damage that was associated with those people in that house, it did not belong there, they had no legal standing there,” Hackney said.

Hackney was referring to the story of two women who were squatting in a home they weren’t supposed to be in.

Patti Peeples, the owner of the property, said it took an emotional toll on her as the two women occupied the home for over 40 days.

The women left over $15,000 worth of damage behind when they were finally evicted.

It took Peeples so long to have the squatters removed because under Florida law then, the women could remain in the home until a judge heard their case.

Starting July 1, police can remove people immediately from a property if they do not have a lease or refuse to leave.

“From a law enforcement standpoint, to have something they can actually step in and get somebody put that doesn’t belong there, that’s going to make them very happy,” Hackney said.

Sheriff T.K. Waters spoke about the new bill at the Sheriff’s Walk on Saturday.

“As long as folks have what they need to show us ownership, we are going to be able to take action, which is the biggest thing for us,” Waters said.