"DeSantis Strengthens Law Enforcement Powers to Combat Squatting in Florida"

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law eliminating squatters' rights, allowing property owners to swiftly remove offenders with law enforcement assistance. The legislation, effective July 1, increases penalties for squatting, including felony charges for property damage and fraudulent property transactions. DeSantis criticized California and New York for protecting squatters, while Florida aims to crack down on the issue. Law enforcement officials and a "Squatter Hunter" expressed support for the law, citing instances of squatters causing property damage and disrupting communities in Florida.