Florida Governs Squatting: New Laws Shield Businesses from Unauthorized Occupants

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed two significant laws aimed at providing commercial property owners with enhanced protection against squatters. These legislative measures are part of the state’s broader strategy to tackle unauthorized occupancy and bolster private property rights. The new laws extend protections that were previously afforded to homeowners last year, now applying to businesses such as hotels, motels, restaurants, and retail establishments. Supporters of the legislation believe that these changes will be a crucial benefit for the hospitality sector. “This is a significant victory for the hotel and hospitality industries,” … Read more

Hollywood Hills Mansions Reclaimed: Producer Apologizes as Squatting Laws Spotlighted in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In California, the rights of property owners and squatters intertwine in complex legal frameworks, impacting residents across the state. Notably, California law allows what is known as adverse possession, enabling a squatter to potentially gain legal ownership of a property by maintaining possession and responsibly paying taxes on it for five consecutive years. In addition, mere occupancy for 30 days can afford squatters certain tenancy rights, challenging property owners and complicating traditional notions of property rights. Recently, the issue of squatters has garnered attention following incidents involving multiple properties in the Hollywood … Read more