All You Need to Know About Florida's Squatters Law

Blog Updated 05/19/2025

Florida's New Law on Squatter's Rights Was a Fight for Private Property Rights

Florida property owners have long struggled with squatters—unauthorized people living in homes without permission. Squatting can lead to lost rent, property damage, and legal headaches.

Before 2024, it was difficult to remove these unauthorized guests because of unclear laws. Police often said it was a “civil matter,” and owners had to go through long, frustrating court processes.

2024 Squatters Bill Florida - Lawmakers Change Squatter Laws

This shifted with the new anti squatter law, known as HB 621 in 2024. Florida Statute Chapter 83 of Florida’s landlord-tenant laws does not directly address this issue. However, the new law helps property owners regain control of their homes more easily through legal action. 

We will go over the topic as a whole with a focus on: 

• Florida law squatter's right
• The eviction process in Florida
• Adverse Possession Florida law and legal claims
• How to remove a squatter

Let's examine this new legislation more closely and understand its significance for unoccupied property.

Legislators in The State of Florida Took a Stand with Squatting Laws with New Florida Squatter Bill 

To protect property owners, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 621. This new law started on July 1, 2024. Often called the Florida squatters’ law, this legislation strengthens private property rights and sets a precedent for other states. Created to abolish squatters rights as we know it. 

During the 2024 Legislative Session, lawmakers passed HB 621 Florida. This law makes it faster to remove unauthorized occupants who do not pay rent or own the property legally. It empowers law enforcement to act quickly in benefit of the true owner and helps clarify how to deal with squatters. 

The bill, called “Property Rights,” got support from both parties. This shows how serious the squatting problem is for Florida property owners.

Importantly, this law does not apply if the occupant had legal permission to live there at some point.

Florida is taking the lead, but this issue is spreading across the U.S. More states will likely suggest similar laws in their 2025 sessions.

Thanks to HB 621, property owners now have clear guidelines to protect their rights and act against illegal occupants and guidance how to legally eviction unauthorized occupants. 

Define Squatter

What is a Squatter in Florida?

A squatter definition is someone who lives in an empty or abandoned property. They do this without the owner's permission and refuse to leaves the property. This is illegal because they have no legal right to be there.

You might think someone is trespassing, it may be more than that especially in Florida . You should consider the bigger picture. You may have to figure out how to get rid of a squatter, legally. 

However, in some cases, squatters can claim adverse possession. This legal rule lets someone gain ownership if they live on the property long enough and pay property taxes.

If the person had permission to stay at some point (like a former tenant), different rules apply. Laws vary by state, but the concept of adverse possession dates back to old English law.

Florida Squatting Rights - Florida Law on Squatters Rights 

Do Squatter's Have Rights in Fl?

Florida squatting rights are a hot topic. Squatters rights Florida comes down to a legal concept called adverse possession.

Under Florida law, Chapter 95, Section 95.18, a person can claim ownership of property. This means they can say they own something even if they do not have legal ownership. 

To do this, they must meet certain requirements. These include living on the property openly and continuously. In some cases, they may also need to pay property taxes.

Other states, like Oregon, also have similar laws based on adverse possession. We’ll explore how different states handle this later in the blog.

Florida Squatting Law - How to Claim Adverse Possession in Florida

Squatting laws in Florida are easy to understand, but Squatter's, rights in Florida have changed with the new state law. To claim yourself a legal owner through adverse possession in Florida, you must meet certain legal requirements. A helpful way to remember these is the acronym OCEAN:

• Open and Notorious Possession: Your use of the property must be obvious—not hidden—so the real owner could notice if they checked.
• Continuous: Squatters must occupy the property without interruption for a certain number of years (usually 7 years in Florida; more than 10 years in New York City; and in Texas, at the property for at least 15 years).
• Exclusive Possession: Only you control the property. Sharing it with the owner or others usually disqualifies your claim.
• Actual: You must physically use the land—like living there, building, or farming. Merely claiming ownership is insufficient.
• Hostile: You occupy the land without the owner’s permission. This doesn't imply you’re being forceful—it simply indicates that the owner did not consent to it.

Adverse possession law in Florida will set the tone for the rest of the United States in the years to come. Taking possession of the property wont be as easy with the new legal processes. 

What is the DeSantis Squatter Bill? An Overview of the New Squatter Law Florida

On March 27, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 621 into law. This law allows property owners and managers to quickly remove squatters who do not leave the property. It also gives law enforcement clear steps to take when dealing with unauthorized occupants without a legal document.

Florida Squatters Rights Laws & Squatter Rules - Key Highlights of HB 621:

• Faster Evictions: Owners can now remove squatters without a lease or legal rights. In some cases, squatters must leave within 24 hours of notice.
• Protection from Property Damage: If they damage the home, owners can now seek payment for repairs.
• Stricter Penalties: Squatting has become a major offense. Repeat offenders or organized groups can face up to 20 years in prison.

This law is a significant advancement in protecting private property in the State of Florida.

Preventing Squatters in Florida - Tips for Property Owners

Here are tips for keeping squatter's away from your property and to avoid a squatter eviction:

• Regular Visits: Regularly visit or inspect your property to prevent illegal occupation.
• Secure the Property: Lock all entry points and consider installing security cameras.
• Engage Neighbors: Ask neighbors or HOA to watch your property if it is vacant, and to report anything suspicious.
• Post “No Trespassing” Signs: These written notice signs can support your case if squatters try to claim adverse possession.
• Hire a Property Management Firm: Professional property managers can help monitor your property through their services.

2025 Proposed Squatter Laws in United States

• Texas: State leaders are advocating for House Bill 32, which aims to expedite the eviction process. However, critics argue it could make it easier to evict tenants without due process.
• New Jersey: Legislation is under consideration to allow for the immediate removal of unlawful residents.
• South Carolina: Proposed legislation aims to authorize the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants.
• Alabama, Colorado, and Virginia: Squatter rights Colorado and Squatter rights Virginia laws are emerging or being debated in these states, with Alabama’s law expected soon.

Where is squatting legal? Not many places, or at least for long. Most states are using Florida's law as a guide. It raises the question: how long until squatter protections or restrictions are adopted nationwide?

How Property Managers Help Property Owners with Florida Squatters Laws

Allegiant Management Group specializes in property management across Central Florida and has experience handling squatter-related issues.

If you have an unauthorized person in your rental property, our team can help. We can issue notices and work with legal experts. Time matters, especially since evictions or unlawful detainer cases can take over 30 days.

Here’s how we support property owners:

• Legal Support: We work with skilled lawyers to help you remove squatters quickly and effectively.
• Routine Inspections: Regular property checks help prevent unauthorized occupation before it starts.
• Thorough Tenant Screening: We screen all tenants carefully to reduce the risk of future issues and lease violations.
• Vacant Home Watch: We monitor vacant properties, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind.

Let our team handle the stress of dealing with tenants who refuse to leave. We will protect your property with expert care.

The New Florida Squatter Law (HB 621) offers much-needed protection for property owners. Other laws are coming soon, including the new BOI Reporting starting on January 1, 2025. Thankfully, the rental market will change forever because of these new protections

Protecting Your Property from Squatters with Professional Management

The Florida new squatter law helps people better understand how to reclaim their private property. Many are grateful for this new law.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with property management and the new law. Protect your private property rights with expert property management. 

Watch Our Video: The New Squatters Law Florida & Whats Happens When Squatter Refuses to Vacate the Premises 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - New Florida Squatters Law

What is a squatter?

A squatter is a person who occupies land or property without legal permission, ownership, or a lease agreement. Squatters may attempt to claim ownership through adverse possession if they meet specific legal requirements over time.

What is squatting? 

Squatting means living in a building or on land that is empty or abandoned. They do this without legal permission. Squatters can live there without paying rent or asking the property owner for permission. They often say they need a place to stay or have housing rights.

What are squatters rights?

Squatters’ rights let a person gain legal ownership of property through adverse possession. This happens when they occupy the property openly, exclusively, and continuously without permission. In Florida, people must meet certain legal conditions during this 7-year period.

What is the new law in Florida about squatters? 

In 2024, Florida passed a law allowing property owners to remove squatters without a court order. Owners can ask law enforcement to quickly remove unauthorized occupants. This applies to those who entered unlawfully and refuse to leave. This process skips the long eviction steps.

Why do squatters have rights?

Squatters have rights to encourage landowners to monitor and use their property and to prevent land from remaining idle. Adverse possession laws reward people who use land continuously and openly without challenge. This encourages productive land use and helps resolve long-term occupancy issues legally.

Can I physically remove a squatter?

No, you cannot physically remove a squatter yourself. Use legal procedures such as eviction or law enforcement under new Florida law. Self-eviction may lead to criminal or civil liability for unlawful removal.

Can you turn off electricity on squatters?

No, you cannot legally turn off electricity to remove squatters. Disrupting utilities constitutes a “self-help” eviction and is illegal in Florida. Use proper legal channels to remove unauthorized occupants.

How can you remove a squatter? 

To remove a squatter, serve a formal eviction notice. Then, file an unlawful detainer action in court. Finally, obtain a writ of possession. Law enforcement must execute the writ to legally remove the squatter from the property.

How to claim squatters' rights in Florida?

Claim squatters’ rights in Florida by occupying a property openly, continuously, and exclusively for 7 years. You must pay property taxes during this period and treat the property as your own. After 7 years, file an adverse possession claim with the county property appraiser.

How to evict a squatter in Florida?

Evict a squatter in Florida by filing an unlawful detainer action in county court. Serve the squatter with a summons. If they don’t leave, request a court order for removal. Law enforcement can then enforce the eviction after the court’s judgment.