Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman (R-Highland Beach) celebrated after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed her bill on Monday to protect commercial property owners from people who are squatting, or someone who occupies a property without the owner's permission and intends to live there.
“This bill is proof that when we listen to residents, good things happen,” Gossett-Seidman said during a press conference at the Westin Sarasota. “A restaurant owner in Palm Beach County reached out to me, desperate because squatters had taken over their family-owned property. They faced months of delays and thousands in losses due to outdated laws that left commercial property owners without recourse. HB 213 ensures no business endures that nightmare again.”
Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral) carried the Senate bill.
Among its details, HB 213 extends protections from Florida's existing anti-squatting law (HB 621) to commercial properties such as restaurants, retail spaces, offices, and warehouses. A commercial property owner can now file a sworn complaint with their local sheriff’s office to swiftly remove squatters.
The bill intends to speed up the process of removal in days rather than months.
It also includes tough squatting penalties.
Among them: a first-degree misdemeanor for presenting false documents to claim property rights, a second-degree felony for causing $1,000 or more in intentional damage, and a first-degree felony for illegally selling or leasing the property
"HB 213 empowers sheriffs to act quickly, saving owners thousands and protecting our $1 trillion commercial real estate market that supports 3.7 million jobs," Gossett-Seidman added.
Rep. Gossett-Seidman said she brought the bill after a constituent reported squatters occupying their former restaurant, now vacant, in Palm Beach County. According to a release from Seidman's office, the owner claimed he lost between $2000 to $10,000 in potential rental income from the unwanted guest, including damage to the building's fixtures.
Other similar instances occurred in Melbourne and Tampa. The results, Gossett-Seidman investigated, often leave commercial owners with lengthy court battles costing $5,000 to $20,000.
“Governor DeSantis’ leadership with HB 621 set a national precedent, and his support for HB 213 makes Florida the first state to comprehensively protect both residential and commercial property owners,” Rep. Gossett-Seidman said. “This bill, passed unanimously in the House & Senate, reflects our united commitment to property rights and safe communities. I’m grateful to Senator Rodriguez, my colleagues, and our constituents for making this possible.”
The law will take effect on July 1.
