In response to growing concerns over property rights and unauthorized occupancy, Florida has introduced a transformative squatter bill aimed squarely at bolstering legal protections for property owners. This legislation streamlines the eviction process and integrates tightly with Florida’s premises liability law, enhancing safety and legal clarity.
Here, our Florida premises liability lawyers discuss the new law, its implications for property owners, and how it fortifies their legal arsenal against squatting, ensuring their properties remain secure and properly managed.
Understanding the Florida Squatter Bill
House Bill 621 (Florida’s “squatter bill”) was designed to provide clearer and faster legal remedies to eject unlawful occupants from properties. The law defines the processes property owners must follow to reclaim their properties, stipulating the legal documentation required and the expedited procedures allowed in court.
HB 621 contains several notable assertions:
- Property owners can request sheriff’s assistance to remove unauthorized occupants from residential properties immediately under specific conditions.
- Unauthorized occupants may be arrested.
- Sheriffs and property owners are shielded from certain liabilities.
- Intentional occupation or damage of residential properties and presenting false property documents are now criminalized.
Legal remedies available to property owners
Under this new legislation, property owners are granted more robust mechanisms to address squatting swiftly. These include:
- Faster eviction processes: Streamlined court procedures now ensure that property owners can recover possession of their property more quickly.
- Increased penalties for squatters: The bill introduces harsher penalties for those unlawfully occupying properties, including potential criminal charges.
Tie to Florida premises liability law
The Florida squatter bill is intricately linked to premises liability law, which holds property owners legally responsible for accidents and injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property. The new bill extends this to ensure properties are free from unauthorized inhabitants who might pose safety risks.
Steps for property owners
- Documentation: Collect all necessary documentation proving ownership and the unauthorized status of the occupant.
- Legal notification: As the new law requires, serve notice to the squatters detailing their legal obligation to vacate.
- Court action: If necessary, file for an expedited eviction process in court, leveraging the faster available procedures.
What to do if you encounter squatting
If you encounter squatting on your property, it’s important to act swiftly:
- Contact law enforcement: To handle immediate removal if the situation warrants it.
- Consult with an attorney: Especially one familiar with real estate and premises liability law in Florida, who can efficiently guide you through the legal process.
Contact us for more information regarding HB 621
The Florida squatter bill empowers property owners with more definitive legal recourse to address and prevent squatting effectively. By understanding and utilizing the provisions of this bill, property owners can protect their property rights and ensure the safety and security of their premises.
Property owners should consult with the attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for specific advice and legal support regarding the Florida squatter bill and its impact on premises liability. Contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 today.
