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From snowbirds to landlords to those looking to sell their homes after they move away, there are times when squatters settle into that empty house. Getting someone out can be a lengthy and costly process. Standing in front of a sign that reads "Ending the squatters scam," Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the signing of House Bill 621 in Orlando on Wednesday.According to DeSantis, the bill gives homeowners the ability to quickly and legally remove squatters from their property and also increases criminal penalties for squatting.Over the years, we've seen how some squatters can take over a property, trash it and use utilities billed to the rightful owner. These actions can degrade the entire area nearby. "Someone moves into it and turns it into a drug den, trap house or brothel," State Attorney Andrew Bain said. "Squatters turned the house across the street from us into a drug and prostitution house," Justin Mielcarek said while sharing his story with a group of people at the governor's conference on Wednesday. "The police's hands were tied; this was a civil matter that had to go through the courts."Mielcarek said the issue with the squatters lasted five months, which is a long time when there's no end in sight. "We were told to leave the squatters alone, ignore them, don't engage. As law-abiding, tax-paying citizens, we were told to stay in our homes while these criminals carried on," Mielcarek said. "We are, in the state of Florida, ending the squatter scam once and for all," DeSantis said. Now, with the governor's signature on a new bill, the law will have a quicker way to respond. "You are not going to be able to commandeer somebody's private property and expect to get away with it," DeSantis said. "Squatters is a very, very kind term," Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said. "These are criminals and con artists who need to be held accountable."The Florida Sheriff's Association is ready to do some good."Sheriffs from across the state will be able to provide the adequate resources and support for victims of these crimes and homeowners to preserve their property," Lemma said.The new law doesn't officially take effect until July 1.
ORLANDO, Fla. — From snowbirds to landlords to those looking to sell their homes after they move away, there are times when squatters settle into that empty house. Getting someone out can be a lengthy and costly process. Standing in front of a sign that reads "Ending the squatters scam," Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the signing of House Bill 621 in Orlando on Wednesday. According to DeSantis, the bill gives homeowners the ability to quickly and legally remove squatters from their property and also increases criminal penalties for squatting. Over the years, we've seen how some squatters can take over a property, trash it and use utilities billed to the rightful owner. These actions can degrade the entire area nearby. "Someone moves into it and turns it into a drug den, trap house or brothel," State Attorney Andrew Bain said. "Squatters turned the house across the street from us into a drug and prostitution house," Justin Mielcarek said while sharing his story with a group of people at the governor's conference on Wednesday. "The police's hands were tied; this was a civil matter that had to go through the courts." Mielcarek said the issue with the squatters lasted five months, which is a long time when there's no end in sight. "We were told to leave the squatters alone, ignore them, don't engage. As law-abiding, tax-paying citizens, we were told to stay in our homes while these criminals carried on," Mielcarek said. "We are, in the state of Florida, ending the squatter scam once and for all," DeSantis said. Now, with the governor's signature on a new bill, the law will have a quicker way to respond. "You are not going to be able to commandeer somebody's private property and expect to get away with it," DeSantis said. "Squatters is a very, very kind term," Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said. "These are criminals and con artists who need to be held accountable." The Florida Sheriff's Association is ready to do some good. "Sheriffs from across the state will be able to provide the adequate resources and support for victims of these crimes and homeowners to preserve their property," Lemma said. The new law doesn't officially take effect until July 1.