DeSantis eliminates 'squatters' rights' in Florida, gives power to cops to remove offenders

Gov. Ron DeSantis says "squatting" is a scam that violates private property rights and signed a bill intended to help protect homeowners in Orlando on Wednesday.

According to a video Florida's governor posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), squatters commandeering homes have become an issue nationwide. However, he says the state will be putting an end to this scam.

"We are in the state of Florida ending this squatters scam once and for all. And momentarily I'll be signing HB 621, which will give the homeowner the ability to quickly and legally remove a squatter from a property and which will increase criminal penalties for squatting," shared DeSantis during Wednesday's press conference at the Orange County State Attorney's Office.

HB 621 will take effect on July 1, 2024. It creates a new way for property owners to remove squatters from their homes.