Big Win For Property Owners In Florida As Bill Immediately Evicting Squatters Passes Unanimously

Florida has recently passed a bill unanimously that will provide a new approach in dealing with squatters. This legislation allows for police to evict squatters on the spot without having to go through the often grueling court process that was the previous standard. This is a massive change in the way that squatting cases are dealt with, the priority being to provide adequate and swift resolutions for property owners that are dealing with the challenges of squatters..

Property Owners Are Elated

Florida residents such as Patti Peoples, have dealt with the squatting issue firsthand, she has expressed her sincere relief and hopefulness for the new bill being passed.

Peeples expressed to News4Jax, “It gives me a real feeling of positive hope that we still have the ability to discuss challenges in our society and work with our legislatures in a bipartisan way.”

Simplifying The Eviction Process

The new bill gives police the authority to eliminate squatters on a property without having an authorized lease from the rightful owner of the property.

This change from the previous eviction process will simplify the entire process for landlords looking to reclaim their properties from squatters.

Difficulties Faced By Property Owners Because Of Squatters

The matter regarding squatting was brought to the attention of legislators by personal stories like the one that was shared by Peeples.

She gave a detailed account of her experiences to the state Senate Criminal Justice Committee, she expressed how squatters had taken over her home, and pressed upon the urgency needed to immediate legal changes.

Fake Leases

One of the major challenges in dealing with squatters is the presentation of fake leases from the squatters.

These efforts have been used to claim illegal rights to properties, making the eviction process even more challenging for law enforcement and property owners. The new legislation will address these issues directly by allowing police intervention without a lease that is authorized by the property owner.

Concerns From Advocacy Groups

Florida Rising and other advocacy groups originally voiced concerns about the new legislation, stating that it could be utilized to illegally evict legal tenants.

However, after changes were made to the bill to safeguard legal occupants, the group took a neutral stance. This shift indicates the legislative effort to create balance between protecting property rights while also safeguarding legal tenants.

Waiting For Governor’s Approval

The bill has been passed by both chambers of the Florida Legislature and now is just waiting for Governor Ron DeSantis to approve it.

If he decides to approve the bill and sign it into law, it will speed up the process of evicting squatters and provide recourse for illegally evicting tenants.

Financial Difficulties Derived From Squatters

The case of Patti Peeples highlights the intense emotional challenges that squatting can cause the property owner.

After being subjected to weeks of legal battles in efforts to evict squatters that claimed to be the victims of a rental scam, Peeples found her home in complete shambles, having significant damage that resulted in costly loss..

Emotional Distress On Property Owners

Peeples told Fox News the various emotions that she felt as a direct result of the squatting situation, this includes “intense anger,” a feeling of defeat, and feeling wronged by both the legal and law enforcement systems.

Her testimony provides a personal perspective on the distress property owners can face when dealing with squatting on their property.

Another Florida Home Invasion

In another disturbing occurrence, a 1$ million home in Florida was illegally occupied by 10 squatters, leaving the home with an extensive bug infestation and significant property damage.

The self proclaimed leader of the group, Tyrone Jones, is being accused of giving a fake identity so he could illegally become the executor of the property that is located on Seabreeze Boulevard.

Police Intervention

Ultimately Broward County Sheriff’s would intereven and evict seven men, two women, and two children from the property.

Security measures were put into place after the eviction occurred. The locks were changed in hopes that this would deter squatters from trying to re-enter the home.

Extensive Property Damage

The squatters left the home in deplorable conditions, with significant damage to the windows, walls, and floors.

This situation highlights the physical destruction that occurs because of squatters.

Claims Of The Fraudulent Scheme By Tyrone Jones’

The Daily Mail reported, Jones allegedly orchestrated this intricate fraudulent scheme, creating fake identity so he could take control of the Fort Lauderdale property.

Unfortunately this isn’t an isolated incident, there are claims that he is involved in as many as 14 other similar crimes, fraudulently acquiring properties valued at more than $12 million.

How The Home Is Now

The home was left with notable damages from the squatters that were occupying it.

Mike Fisten, an investigator for the Broward Property Appraiser’s office, shared a detailed account of the destruction by stating, “It’s bug infested. The walls are damaged. The flooring is damaged. The windows are damaged. The whole area is totally damaged.”

Neighbors Are Effected

The presence of squatters has caused distress for the entire neighborhood, particularly the next-door neighbors of the home who called in a home invasion on the night of February 27, 2022.

The neighbor recounted this horrific experience to CBS Miami, describing the way his wife screamed when she became aware that there was a strange man standing at the foot of their bed. Underscoring the larger security concerns that come from having squatters occupy homes that don’t belong to them.

An Ankle Monitor

During the eviction it was discovered that one of the squatters, a man by the name of Kevin Bosley, had previously been arrested and was released with an ankle monitor.

Up until this point law enforcement was unaware that Bosley had been illegally occupying the home.

Squatting Incident In Houston

In a similar incident a Houston home was being squatted in by a public school teacher and her family.

Amberlyn Prather, the teacher, was confronted with legal repercussions after the judge approved the eviction on the grounds that the teacher had used a fake lease to occupy the home.

Broader Consequences Of Home Theft

Marty Kiar, A Broward County Property Appraiser, highlighted the bigger consequences of these criminal activities.

He emphasized that home theft doesn’t just affect the property owner but also makes the community feel victimized as a whole. The unlawful occupation led to other crimes, including home invasion of a neighboring house, adding to the ripple effects of the squatters actions.

Community And Law Enforcement Collaboration

Significant efforts have been put forth to address the issues that involve squatters and property fraud in Broward County, with nearly 200 squatting incidents investigated within a year.

Praise was given by Marty Kiar for the extensive cooperation between the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and his team in working together to protect the community and hold perpetrators accountable.

Reviving And Protecting Community Properties

The incidents in both Houston and Florida underscore the complexities that communities face with trying to navigate the issues of illegal squatters.

The anti-squatting law is aimed to help property appraisers,police officers, and real estate professionals reclaim properties, ensuring that communities can feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.

Challenges And Solutions In Real Estate

The existence of squatters presented considerable hurdles for real estate professionals. A realtor authorized to sell the Houston House, Shanequa Garrett, faced prolonged struggles to regain access because of the illegal occupants.

She would eventually regain access after the eviction and be able to work towards the sale of the home, bringing the difficult endeavor to a close.

Enhancing Legal Consequences

According to the proposed bill, a fake lease is considered a misdemeanor, and offenders found guilty of trying to sell or lease someone else’s home would be faced with felony charges.

Additionally if a person is found to be responsible for more than $1,000 for squatting and related offenses.

Potential Impacts Of The Legislation

The unanimous approval of the anti-squatting bill by the Florida Legislature marks a possible shift in the state’s approach to how they handle the way they deal with squatters.

By making the eviction process easier and implementing harsher penalties for squatting and other related offenses, the law aims to protect property owners and restore their rights to their homes more swiftly and effectively than has been possible under previous laws.

A Call For Stricter Squatting Laws

Flash Shelton, a handyman-turned-squatter hunter, has been a huge advocate for harsher squatting laws, he references an incident in Atlanta where around 1,200omes are reported to have been taken over by squatters.

Shelton has made the suggestion that facilitating the eviction process of squatters will be easier with harsher punishments for the crime in place.