Floridians will have more tools to remove unwanted, nonpaying occupants from their properties.
Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation aimed at speeding up the process of removing squatters from residential locations. On Monday, he signed a pair of bills expanding that focus to commercial properties and hotels.
“Under current law, the remedies to remove unauthorized occupants of a commercial property can unfortunately be lengthy and time-consuming, which then incentivizes people to take advantage of the situation,” he said at a press conference in Sarasota.
The commercial property measure (SB 322) allows property owners to request that law enforcement remove unauthorized occupants — but under certain conditions, including that people must have already been told to leave.
The legislation permits those evicted to file lawsuits for “wrongful removal.”
The other measure (SB 606) facilitates the quick removal of those overstaying and not paying at hotels and other lodging establishments. It clarifies the difference between tenants and guests who can be removed — by law enforcement — for violations.
“Our hotels must be able to focus on providing world-renowned experiences for our guests and not on lengthy, bureaucratic roadblocks to evict bad-actor squatters,” Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said in a statement.
“This legislation protects our hoteliers from costly legal delays and ensures that rooms are available for paying customers.”
Both measures take effect on July 1.
One provision takes effect next year, though: a requirement that restaurants provide clear notice to customers of automatic tips or service fees.
A couple of state housing access advocacy organizations did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Florida Supportive Housing Coalition said it didn't have a comment on the signed bills at this time.
If you have any questions about the state government or the legislative process, you can ask the Your Florida team by clicking here.
This story was produced by WUSF as part of a statewide journalism initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
