'What a leader!' Internet hails Gov Ron DeSantis as he signs bill to put an end to 'squatters scam' in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed a bill on Wednesday, March 27, to toughen penalties for squatters and give law enforcement more authority to pursue them. 

The new law, which comes into effect on July 1, aims to prevent property owners from having to endure drawn-out and costly legal actions to evict squatters, or those who occupy the property without permission, as per the New York Post. 

Gov Ron DeSantis seeks to secure Florida against squatters

In a statement, Gov DeSantis asserted, "We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida. While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system."

The bill (HB621), which aims to expedite the eviction procedure of squatters, made it through the state legislature with resounding support. 

As per the new law, if someone is on the property illegally, has been informed but has refused to leave, and is not involved in a tenant dispute, landowners may simply submit a complaint with the local police enforcement, who would then take quick action to remove them.

It implies that squatters can be swiftly removed by authorities if they can't provide the necessary documentation to indicate they are residents of the area when law enforcement shows up.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Florida is once again leading the nation, this time in securing our state against squatters. Biden has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to flood across the border. After video evidence of their plan to take over homes emerged, we’re ensuring Floridians are protected from this egregious and brazen scheme."

Aside from the expedited expulsion procedure, HB 621 imposes severe sanctions against squatters, such as making it a first-degree crime to fabricate statements to fraudulently transfer property rights.

Additionally, it creates a first-degree felony for "knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership" and a second-degree felony for trespassing on residential property with $1,000 or more in damages. 

Internet praises Ron DeSantis for signing law to crack down on squatters

One declared, "What a leader! @RonDeSantis," and another stated, "More states should follow this law."

A person mentioned, "DeSantis finally does something I agree with." Someone else expressed, "Thank you @GovRonDeSantis glad to see you’re now back to governing Florida now please fix the insurance crisis it’s crippling us down here."

"Back to being an effective Governer," remarked an individual. 

One more stated, "This is good, I can't believe someone can hijack someone else's home just be staying there. Pros and cons?" 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.