Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff Asks Citizens to Back Legislation That Would Make it Difficult for Squatters to Take Over Abandoned Homes
Unwanted squatters have become an increasingly common problem statewide because of the large number of homes that have been foreclosed and abandoned. Squatters who break into these abandoned residential properties cannot be dislodged because current state laws prohibit police and other law enforcement officials from removing squatters unless it can be proven that they are trespassing or breaking other laws.
Both HB#1089 (House Bill) and CS/SB#786 (Committee Substitute/Senate Bill #786) would exempt squatters, “a Person,” from Florida’s Landlord and Tenant Law. If the bill is signed into law, the police would have the ability to remove squatters for trespassing. The law would be scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2011.
“This issue can adversely affect the quality of life in any community, so we must act now to give our law enforcement officials the tools necessary to deal with unwanted squatters,” commented Commissioner Sarnoff. “I urge everyone to reach out to legislators in Tallahassee in support of this proposed legislation.”
Those in support of this change should get in touch with the bill’s sponsors in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate:
State House-District 117
Representative Michael Bileca
1003 The Capitol
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Fl 32399-1300
Tel: (850) 488-6506
michael.bileca@myfloridahouse.gov
State Senate-District 36
Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla
312 Senate Office Building
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Fl 32399-1300
Tel: (850) 487-5109
portilla.miguel.web@flsenate.gov
For a list of all Miami Dade County state legislators, visit http://www.miamidade.gov/dadedelegation/