Florida homeowners fight squatters with new law that ends ‘scam,’ governor says

A new law signed by Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis protects homeowners from squatters. It ensures police support the homeowner when removing trespassers. House Bill 621 allows property owners to request law enforcement assistance for immediate squatter removal, penalizing squatters with a second-degree felony for occupying or trespassing in a dwelling and causing damage over $1,000. The legislation also holds squatters accountable for forging documents. Penalties include a first-degree misdemeanor for false statements to police about their status as tenants or squatters on a property.