Florida Cracks Down on Squatters: What Every CRE Owner Must Know

Commercial property owners across Florida are gaining powerful new protection, and it is changing how property management is done.  

For years, the legal system offered limited resources when unauthorized individuals occupied private property. While residential squatters were addressed last year, commercial property owners were left exposed until now. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis has officially signed two sweeping bills into law: 

SB 322 and SB 606, targeting squatters in commercial spaces, hotels, and short-term rentals. 

Here is what business owners and real estate stakeholders need to know: 

The problem Was Growing: 

• Squatters occupying warehouse, office spaces, and retail storefronts 

• Hotel guests overstaying and refusing to pay, with no fast legal remedy 

• Lengthy eviction processes draining time, money, and police resources 

• Rising cases of fraudulent lease documents and criminal activity 

What is Changed With New Laws: 

1. SB 322- Commercial Property Protection 

• Owners can now file a sworn complaint to the sheriff’s office for swift removal 

• If verified, law enforcement must act quickly—no court eviction process required 

• Applies to offices, industrial buildings, and retail units 

• Introduces criminal penalties for presenting false claims of tenancy 

• Owners must cover enforcement fees and labor hours 

2. SB 606 -Hotel and Short-Term Rental Safeguard 

• Classifies hotel/motel/vacation stays as transient—not long-term tenants 

• Empowers owners to remove non-paying or unruly guest without court filing 

• Written notice is required, but no formal eviction is needed 

• Helps hospitality businesses protect availability and prevent property misuse 

Why It Matters for Property Owners: 

These laws are more than legal updates; they represent a shift in how Florida handles unlawful occupancy: 

• Faster turnaround: Law enforcement can now act within days, not weeks 

• Clearer definitions: Eliminates legal grey areas around property rights 

• Lower costs: Avoid drawn-out litigation and lost revenue 

• Greater safety: Reduces criminal misuse of vacant or misused spaces 

What’s Next: 

• Both bills take effect. July 1, 2025 

• Florida restaurants will also be required to disclose all service charges and fees by July 2026, promoting transparency in hospitality. 

Who Benefits the Most? 

These new laws are not just for large corporations; they are designed to support everyday property owners and small businesses, too. 

• Commercial landlords struggling with unauthorized occupants 

• Hotel/motel owners dealing with guests who overstay or refuse payment 

• Retail business owners facing property misuse or disruption 

• Real estate investors looking for cleaner, safer asset management 

• Developers with vacant or under-construction spaces 

With clearer legal pathways and faster enforcement, property control is back where it belongs—with the rightful owner. 

Update Summary 

Florida has passed new legislation that gives commercial property owners more power to remove squatters quickly and without court involvement. This is a game-changer because: 

• Immediate Action: Property owners can now call law enforcement directly to remove unauthorized occupants. 

• No Legal Costs: No need to go through time-consuming legal eviction processes. 

• Applies to Commercial Properties: Office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, etc. 

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