Many states in the United States have taken different approaches to dealing with squatters who unlawfully live in residents’ homes. Squatters often cause extensive damage to the properties they reside on, which can be a costly expense for homeowners. Some states have laws that tend to favor squatters, putting homeowners through lengthy and expensive legal battles to remove squatters from their property. To address this issue, some states have introduced bills to help protect homeowners, allowing them to remove unlawful residents quickly and efficiently.
One state that has taken a strong stance on squatting is Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill in March 2024 that eliminated squatters’ rights in the state. Under this law, property owners can request the assistance of law enforcement to remove squatters immediately if they are not current or former tenants. There are harsh penalties for squatters under this law, including misdemeanors and felonies for those who provide false documentation or cause damages intentionally. Before this law was passed, property owners in Florida had to endure long legal battles to remove squatters, but the passing of this bill has made the process easier for homeowners.
Georgia is another state that has passed legislation to protect homeowners against squatters. The Georgia Squatter Reform Act was signed by Gov. Brian Kemp in April and speeds up the eviction process while increasing penalties for those who squat in homes. Individuals who cannot provide proof that they are authorized to be on the property are subject to arrest and misdemeanor charges. In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill in May that strengthens homeowners’ rights against squatters. House Bill 182 gives harsher penalties to those who illegally occupy a home and allows law enforcement to remove individuals from a home they do not own quickly.
These laws aim to protect homeowners from the financial and emotional burdens caused by squatters who unlawfully occupy their homes. By making it easier for property owners to remove squatters, states like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are sending a strong message that squatting will not be tolerated. These laws are a step in the right direction to ensure that homeowners can feel safe and secure in their properties without the fear of squatters taking over. The passing of these bills is a testament to the power of individual stories and experiences in influencing legislative change and protecting homeowners’ rights against squatters.
