Squatters are increasingly moving into derelict boats left along Florida's coastline, according to authorities working to remove boats and squatters.
“We've actually seen a significant increase across the county,” Lt. Michael Dougherty of the Martin County Sheriff's Office told local media last week. “There have been several instances where vagrants have crouched on top of boats, causing them to break apart and causing boats to come loose and crash into the docks.”
The Martin County Sheriff's Office says it has long been dealing with derelict boats left to rot along Florida's coast, but officials are now seeing an increase in homeless people living on boats. Says. The county is located along the southeast coast of Florida and includes cities such as Jupiter Island and Jensen Beach.
Officials cite the cost of living as a reason for the increase in homeless people moving into squatters and boats. A derelict vessel is defined as a vessel that has been found to have at least two violations in the waterway, ranging from motor failure to fuel leaks. Dumping an abandoned boat is a national crime; imprisonment or fine.
Florida police clear Metz Island booby-trapped by squatters
Abandoned boat removed by Martin County Sheriff's Office. Officials say abandoned boats have been a problem in the area for years, but more squatters and homeless people are boarding them. (Martin County Sheriff's Office)
County commissioners recently amended the ordinance to give law enforcement and harbor operators more authority to remove such boats. NBC Miami reports that boats deemed abandoned will now be tagged by authorities, who will then contact the boat's owner. If no action is taken within 21 days, authorities could destroy the boat, which would come at a significant cost to taxpayers.
“It could be more than $6,000,” Dougherty told the outlet. “It's an astronomical amount.”
Boats and squatters are also hurting businesses that rely on guiding tourists to Florida's waterways and beaches.
Officers left 'handcuffed' as squatters turn Florida neighborhood into 'nightmare': report
Giles Murphy, owner of Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle, told WPTV: “This is the busiest time of year as the snowbirds come down.” “A lot of them look at these abandoned boats and think, 'What happened to this boat?'” “It's a real eyesore, because this water is so attractive to anglers and tourists. We need to keep it beautiful.”
The Martin County Sheriff's Office is cracking down on abandoned boats. (Martin County Sheriff's Office)
In addition to abandoned boats, the sheriff's office has also recently been dealing with abandoned boats believed to have transported immigrants into the United States.
Florida, like other states across the country, has seen repeated incidents of squatters moving into vacant properties and falsifying documents to pretend they own the homes.
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Squatters have taken over an area near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, about 160 miles up the coast from Martin County, that social media commenters dubbed “Mess Island.” Squatters have built makeshift wooden structures, including elaborate four-story treehouses and huts made from what appear to be old wood and tree branches.
A tree house on an island near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, Florida. Squatters are building a camp. (Volusia Sheriff's Office)
They also installed trampolines and appeared to be building a pool on the island, according to footage from the scene released by authorities. Squatters are said to have even placed booby traps on the island to deter visitors.
Squatters take over Florida's Metz Island, build elaborate treehouses and install trampolines
Local authorities began dismantling the huts in June last year.
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While being a resident of Neighborhoods in Winter Park, Florida, said in September that squatters were not being evicted because they were creating “nightmarish” conditions and were “handcuffed” to whatever police did. Ta. Additionally, a squatter in Fort Myers, Florida, was arrested in November for making himself at home in a private residence, including installing a PlayStation in a bedroom and driving the homeowner's car.
