Each state has a different approach when it comes to dealing with squatters who are residing illegally in residents’ homes.
Squatters often cause extensive damage to the properties they occupy, the costs of which are usually borne by the homeowner.
Many states have laws that tend to favor squatters in these situations, forcing homeowners into lengthy and expensive court battles to remove squatters from their property.
States across the country, including Florida, are beginning to pass bills to protect homeowners from squatters. (Governor Ron DeSantis/FB)
6 Ways Homeowners and Landlords Can Protect Theirselves from Squatters
Several states across the country have signed bills that take homeowners’ rights into their own hands by helping them quickly remove squatters from their homes.
States such as Pennsylvania, for example, have introduced proposals to protect homeowners. In Pennsylvania, Rep. Donna Schuelen, who represents the 147th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, introduced the Homeowner Protection and Squatter Eviction Act in April, inspired by Florida’s law.
In Texas, a whistleblower previously told Fox News Digital that he spoke at a May Senate hearing in Austin about the squatter problems he’s dealt with for years. In an email to Fox News Digital, he said the state seems serious about passing legislation that would make the process of dealing with squatters easier for homeowners.
Below are three states that have passed laws to protect homeowners and taken a tough stance against squatters.
1. Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in March 2024 that will strip Florida squatters of their rights.
“You can’t take someone’s private property and expect to get away with it. We are ending squatter fraud for good in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said at a news conference about the signing in Orlando.
Florida sheriff warns squatters he’s their ‘worst enemy’ and will land them in jail
The law, which goes into effect July 1, allows property owners to immediately request law enforcement assistance to remove from a property squatters who have illegally entered and remained after being asked to leave by the owner, as opposed to current or former tenants who are in a legal dispute.
The law provides stiff penalties for squatters, ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor for submitting false documentation to prove occupancy to a second-degree felony for occupying or trespassing on residential property and intentionally causing damages of $1,000 or more.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill in March to help residents quickly evict squatters from their properties. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Before this law was passed in Florida, property owners had to go through lengthy legal battles to evict squatters from their homes — a process that still continues in many U.S. states.
Stories about squatters coming directly from Floridians helped pass the bill.
One example is Florida resident Patty Peoples, who was a victim of squatters who occupied her property and whose eviction took 36 days to complete, leaving her with thousands of dollars in damages.
Her story led her to give powerful testimony before Florida Senate and House committees while the bill was still under consideration.
Her testimony contributed to the Florida bill’s ultimate passage.
Anti-squatter “experts” hail Florida ban, other state laws frustrate homeowners
“I never thought my personal experience would lead to a change in state law, and I never expected it to happen. Movements across America, “As for criminal charges against the squatters, Peoples said in a phone interview with Fox News Digital.
“I was surprised, astonished and really, really encouraged that my case shows me, and I hope shows others, that Congress can listen to ordinary citizens and sometimes try to effectively enact new laws to address common everyday problems.”
2. Georgia
Georgia is one of the states that has passed legislation to protect homeowners from squatters.
The Georgia Squatter Reform Act was signed by Governor Brian Kemp in late April.
The bill would speed up eviction proceedings and increase penalties for those living in housing illegally.
The Georgia Squatter Reform Act was signed by Governor Brian Kemp in late April. (Elijah Nouvellage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, bad actors have found ways to exploit local government processes, so I’m passing legislation that I’ll sign right after this interview that will increase penalties, go after squatters, expedite eviction proceedings and also allow property owners to pursue squatters for damages,” Kemp said on “Fox & Friends.”
Georgia police remove squatters who have reportedly been occupying a home since Christmas
“It’s insanity to think that people can come in and take over someone else’s home. It’s really outrageous,” Kemp said. “This really speaks to the lawlessness that’s occurred under the Biden administration, as we’ve seen across the country.”
By law, individuals must show proof they have permission to enter the premises or they can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
3. Alabama
In May, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill that strengthens homeowners’ rights against squatters on their property.
House Bill 182 imposes tougher penalties on those who illegally occupy housing and increases penalties for those who submit false documents, such as leases or deeds, to prove occupancy.
The law also allows law enforcement to quickly remove individuals from residences that do not belong to them.
The law began to come into effect on June 1st.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed a bill into law strengthening homeowners’ rights against squatters who illegally occupy their property. (Governor Kay Ivey/X)
“They say a man’s home is his castle, but with the rise in illegal occupation of homeowners’ private property across the country, it’s clear that more must be done to stop criminals from taking over people’s homes,” Ivey said in a statement.
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“Private property rights are paramount in Alabama, and this new law puts squatters on notice that any attempt to take over and hijack someone’s home will face swift action from law enforcement. The best home for a squatter is jail, and we in state government should never rest easy until the rights of Alabama homeowners are fully protected.”
