Florida is sending a clear message to squatters and uncooperative hotel guests: your days of free rides are over. Governor Ron DeSantis today signed two pivotal pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 322 and Senate Bill 606, dramatically strengthening the rights of property and business owners across the Sunshine State.
“Florida doesn’t tolerate squatters; we stand with property owners,” declared Governor DeSantis. “Florida already has strong protections for homeowners, and the bills I signed today will ensure the same protections for business owners.”
Commercial Properties Get a Boost: No More Squatter Sanctuaries
Senate Bill 322 is a game-changer for commercial property owners. Previously, removing unauthorized individuals from commercial spaces could be a lengthy and costly ordeal. This new law streamlines the process, offering a fast-track to regaining possession.
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Under SB 322, commercial property owners can expect:
- Expedited Removal: A quicker path to evicting unauthorized occupants.
- Financial Safeguards: Protection against potential losses and damage caused by squatters.
- Legal Clarity: Defined liabilities and protections for both property owners and law enforcement during removals.
- Criminal Penalties: New criminal penalties for unauthorized occupancy and fraudulent property listings, directly targeting those who teach or encourage squatting.
Hotels Check In With New Protections: No More “Permanent Guests”
For the hospitality industry, Senate Bill 606 is a breath of fresh air. This bill tackles the frustrating issue of non-paying or uncooperative guests attempting to claim residency, forcing lengthy eviction processes.
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Key provisions of SB 606 include:
- Transient Stays Clarified: A guest’s stay at a hotel, motel, vacation rental, bed and breakfast, or timeshare is now explicitly considered transient unless a written agreement states otherwise.
- No False Residency Claims: Prevents non-paying hotel guests from claiming residency to bypass traditional eviction processes for permanent housing.
- Transparency on the Menu: Beginning July 1, 2026, public food service establishments must clearly disclose any operations charges, like service fees or automatic gratuities, on menus, contracts, and online platforms.
With these new laws, Florida is cementing its commitment to property rights and ensuring a more efficient and just system for business owners and the hospitality sector. The message is clear: if you don’t own it or pay for it, you can’t stay.
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