Florida property owners just got a powerful new tool in the fight against squatters. On June 2, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills—Senate Bill 322 and Senate Bill 606—that significantly strengthen legal protections for commercial property owners and lodging establishments dealing with unauthorized occupants.
The message from Tallahassee is loud and clear: Florida stands with property owners.
What’s in the Law?
Senate Bill 322 addresses unauthorized occupation of commercial properties. The bill gives commercial property owners the ability to request law enforcement assistance to remove unauthorized individuals without going through a lengthy eviction process.
A key section of the bill states:
“A law enforcement officer shall remove the unauthorized person from the premises and order the person to remain off the premises or be subject to arrest.”
This removes the burden from property owners to initiate formal legal eviction proceedings, something that could previously take weeks or even months. Now, if someone is unlawfully occupying your commercial space, you can submit a sworn affidavit, and law enforcement is empowered to act—quickly.
DeSantis called the law a way to “stop squatters from gaming the system.” The move aligns Florida with other states that are toughening up on squatting amid growing concerns over property rights and housing misuse.
What About Hotels, Motels, and Rentals?
Senate Bill 606 zeroes in on public lodging establishments, such as hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, which have seen a spike in incidents where guests refuse to leave or pay.
The bill gives owners the right to request law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants under certain conditions. As it reads:
“A guest who fails to pay and remains on the premises without permission may be removed by a law enforcement officer upon the request of the operator.”
This essentially treats certain nonpaying guests like trespassers, especially when their presence extends beyond the agreed period or when payment has lapsed. Lodging operators can now avoid the civil eviction process in these cases, making it faster and more cost-effective to regain control of their property.
Why It Matters for Florida Real Estate
For commercial landlords, investors, and operators of short-term rentals, these laws mark a shift toward stronger property rights and faster remedies. They also send a message to would-be squatters: Florida is no longer the place to test legal loopholes.
With this legislation, Governor DeSantis and state lawmakers are making it easier for property owners to maintain control over their assets and deter unauthorized use without delay.
If you own or manage commercial or lodging property in Florida, now is the time to review your policies, educate your team on these new protections, and make sure you know exactly how to use them.
Need help navigating how this law may impact your investment or property plans? Let's talk. I’m here to help you make sense of it—and take full advantage of the protections it offers.
