Owning rental property in Sarasota, FL, can be a rewarding investment—but it also comes with risks. One of the most frustrating and potentially costly challenges landlords face is dealing with unauthorized occupants, commonly referred to as squatters. Fortunately, Florida has taken significant steps to protect property owners with the passage of House Bill 621 (2024), a law designed to streamline the removal process and reduce legal headaches.
If you’re a landlord, understanding how this law works—and how to respond quickly and correctly—can save you time, money, and stress.
Key Takeaways
Florida’s 2024 anti-squatting law (HB 621) allows law enforcement to remove squatters under specific conditions immediately.
Squatters are treated as trespassers, not tenants, if they have no lease or legal claim to the property.
Property owners must submit Form P-0886 and an affidavit to initiate removal through the sheriff.
Accepting rent can unintentionally create tenant rights, complicating removal.
Adverse possession still exists, but requires strict conditions for over 7 years.
Understanding Squatters in Florida
A squatter is someone who enters and remains on a residential property without the owner’s permission. In the past, removing these individuals often required a lengthy eviction process—even if they had no legal right to be there.
This created confusion and frustration for landlords, especially when squatters falsely claimed tenant status.
With the introduction of Florida House Bill 621, the state has clarified the distinction between squatters and tenants, giving landlords a faster, more efficient way to regain control of their property.
Florida’s 2024 Anti-Squatting Law (House Bill 621)
HB 621 is a game-changer for landlords across Sarasota and the rest of Florida. It allows property owners to bypass the traditional eviction process in certain situations and instead work directly with local law enforcement.
Immediate Removal
Under this law, if specific conditions are met, law enforcement can immediately remove unauthorized occupants from your property. This means squatters are treated as trespassers, not tenants.
This is a major shift from previous procedures, where even unauthorized occupants could delay removal by claiming tenant rights.
Conditions for Removal
To qualify for immediate removal, the property owner must demonstrate:
The occupant does not have a valid lease.
The occupant is neither a current nor a former tenant.
There is no ongoing legal dispute between the parties.
The owner has asked the occupant to leave, and they refused
Required Documentation
To initiate the process, landlords must:
Complete a complaint form (Form P-0886)
Provide a valid government-issued ID.
Submit an affidavit confirming:
Ownership of the property
The occupant is a squatter.
The occupant was told to vacate.
Once submitted, the local sheriff’s office can act quickly to remove the individual.
Criminal Penalties for Squatting
HB 621 also strengthens penalties for illegal occupancy.
Unlawful detainer can result in criminal charges
Causing significant property damage (typically over a set threshold) may be classified as a felony
This added layer of enforcement acts as a deterrent and reinforces the seriousness of unauthorized occupancy.
How to Handle Unauthorized Occupants
If you discover squatters in your Sarasota rental property, your response matters. Acting incorrectly can complicate the situation or even expose you to legal liability.
1. Do Not Accept Rent
This is one of the most critical rules.
Accepting payment—even once—can establish a landlord-tenant relationship, giving the occupant legal protections and requiring you to enter the eviction process.
2. Contact Local Law Enforcement
Instead of filing for eviction immediately, contact your local sheriff’s office and request removal under HB 621.
This is often the fastest and most effective solution.
3. Provide Proper Documentation
Be prepared to present:
Proof of ownership
A valid ID
A completed Form P-0886
An affidavit describing the situation
Having your documentation ready can significantly speed up the removal process.
4. Avoid “Self-Help” Actions
It may be tempting to take matters into your own hands—but don’t.
Avoid actions such as:
Changing locks
Turning off utilities
Removing belongings
Forcing entry or confrontation
These actions can constitute landlord harassment and result in legal consequences—even if the occupant is in the wrong.
Squatters vs. Tenants: Why It Matters
Understanding the distinction between squatters and tenants is essential.
Squatter Tenant
No lease or agreement. Has a lease or rental agreement
No permission to occupy. Authorized to live in the property
Removed via law enforcement (HB 621). Requires a formal eviction process
Misidentifying the occupant can delay removal and create unnecessary legal complications.
What About Adverse Possession?
You may have heard of “squatters’ rights,” formally known as adverse possession.
While HB 621 helps prevent immediate abuse of the system, adverse possession is still legally recognized in Florida—but it’s not easy to claim.
Requirements for Adverse Possession
A squatter must:
Occupy the property continuously for 7 years
Possess it in an open and notorious manner
Act as if they are the rightful owner
Meet additional legal and tax-related requirements
In reality, very few squatters successfully meet these criteria.
The new law is designed to stop individuals from quickly establishing false claims after entering a vacant property.
Preventing Squatting in Your Sarasota Rental Property
Prevention is always better than dealing with a legal issue after the fact. Here are proactive steps landlords can take:
Secure Vacant Properties
Install locks, security systems, and cameras
Check properties regularly, especially between tenants
Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Verify employment and rental history
Maintain Clear Documentation
Keep lease agreements organized
Document all communications with tenants
Work with a Property Management Company
Partnering with a professional team like Relax Realty Group, Inc. ensures your property is monitored, maintained, and legally protected.
Why Sarasota Landlords Trust Professional Property Management
Navigating Florida’s rental laws—including new legislation like HB 621—can be complex. A professional property management company offers:
Legal compliance support
Tenant screening and leasing services
Routine property inspections
Fast response to unauthorized occupancy issues
Relax Realty Group, Inc., serving Sarasota, FL, helps landlords protect their investments while minimizing risk and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I remove a squatter myself in Florida?
No. Even with the new law, you should not attempt to remove a squatter yourself. You must go through local law enforcement and follow the proper legal process to avoid liability.
2. How long does it take to remove a squatter under HB 621?
If all conditions are met and documentation is complete, removal can happen very quickly—sometimes the same day or within a few days, depending on the sheriff’s office.
3. What happens if the squatter claims to be a tenant?
If there is any indication of a lease, payment, or legal dispute, the situation may shift to a formal eviction process. This is why it’s crucial not to accept rent or create any appearance of tenancy.
Protect Your Property with Expert Guidance
Florida’s updated squatter laws offer powerful protection—but only if you follow the correct procedures. Acting quickly, documenting everything, and involving law enforcement are key to resolving these situations effectively.
If you’re a landlord in Sarasota, FL, and want peace of mind knowing your property is protected, Relax Realty Group, Inc. is here to help. From tenant placement to legal compliance and property oversight, our experienced team ensures your investment stays secure and profitable.
Learn more or get expert assistance. Contact us today!
Disclaimer: Laws can change, and this information is for educational purposes based on 2024-2025 legislation. Consult a Florida real estate attorney for advice specific to your situation.