Gov. DeSantis signs anti-squatting legislation in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. DeSantis held a press conference in Sarasota on Monday morning where he signed two pieces of anti-squatting legislation.
He signed Senate Bill 322, 'Property Rights,' which authorizes sheriffs to remove people 'unlawfully occupying' commercial property.
'Under current law, the remedies to remove unauthorized applicants or occupants of a commercial property can unfortunately be lengthy and time-consuming, which then incentivizes people to take advantage of the situation,' DeSantis said. 'And we're not going to allow that to happen.'
The governor signed similar legislation regarding personal property, such as homes, last year.
When officials can remove squatters under new Florida law
He also signed SB 606, 'Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishments,' which will make it easier for hotels, motels and other hospitality businesses to remove squatters or uncooperative guests from their property.
'Property rights are really important,' DeSantis said. 'If you don't have private property rights, you cannot have a free society.'
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