Governor DeSantis Signs New Law to Combat Squatting

Release from Governor Ron DeSantis’ Press Office

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed
Florida Senate Bill 322
To expand remedies and safeguards against squatting for commercial property owners, Florida Senate Bill 322 accelerates the eviction of people who are unlawfully present on commercial premises, offering proprietors a faster procedure to reclaim their property.

Florida does not allow squatting; we support property owners,” stated Governor Ron DeSantis. “The state already offers robust safeguards for homeowner rights, and the legislation I’ve just approved will extend similar protections to business owners.

Under current law, remedies to remove unauthorized occupants of a commercial property can be lengthy and time-consuming. SB 322 offers commercial property owners a more efficient means to reclaim possession of their properties from unauthorized occupants. The bill:

Speeds up the eviction of people who shouldn’t be in commercial spaces, giving property owners an easier way to reclaim their premises.
Protects property owners against possible monetary losses and harm to their property caused by squatters.
Offers legal protection for both property owners and law enforcement, detailing responsibilities and safeguards in instances of improper eviction.
Imposes particular criminal punishments for unlawful residence and deceptive real estate advertisements, with the intention of preventing wrongdoers from instructing or promoting squatting activities.

Governor DeSantis also signed
Florida Senate Bill 606
, which bolsters the rights of hotel and motel proprietors when handling guests who are non-compliant or fail to settle their payment obligations. The legislation:

Explains that under present legislation, a visitor’s accommodation in a hotel, motel, vacation rental, bed and breakfast, or timeshare is deemed temporary lodging unless there is a signed document specifying it as their primary dwelling.
Stops individuals staying at hotels without payment from asserting their status as residents, thereby compelling the hotel manager to follow standard procedures typically used for evicting occupants of long-term accommodations.
Ensures greater openness, mandating that all public foodservice venues explicitly reveal any operational surcharges such as service fees or automatic tips on their menus, agreements, and digital channels starting from July 1, 2026.