Florida lawmakers are taking action to address the issue of squatters taking advantage of unsuspecting property owners in the state. The move comes after Patti Peeples, a Jacksonville resident, spent 34 days trying to remove two squatters who caused $34,000 worth of damage to her property. The situation gained national attention and highlighted the need for legislation to close the loophole that allows squatters to stay in unoccupied homes and tie landlords up in court.

House Bill 621, sponsored by Republican Florida state Rep. Kevin Steele, aims to address this issue by allowing landlords to detain their properties and file civil charges against those staying inside without a proper lease agreement. The bill still needs to go through committees, but Steele has received support from several Democrats in the state who recognize the need for reform.

Peeples, who experienced firsthand the imbalanced rights between landlords and squatters, expressed her support for the bill. She believes that the ability to evict squatters immediately with the help of the police will save time and reduce the burden on the courts and law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of fairness in the system and the need to address the issue from a common-sense perspective.

Another bill currently under consideration would grant sheriffs the authority to remove squatters immediately, further strengthening the measures against this problem.

Peeples' ordeal began when she discovered that two female squatters had broken into her rental property. They presented a lease from a fraudulent landlord and claimed they had the right to stay. Over the course of 34 days, the squatters caused $38,000 worth of damage, including smashed walls and windows, detached cabinets, missing appliances, broken toilets, and fecal matter scattered throughout the home. Peeples believes that the damage was a form of retaliation for her attempt to evict them.

The emotional toll and sense of unfairness experienced by Peeples prompted her to advocate for change. She expressed gratitude towards Steele and other lawmakers for listening to the needs of real people in the state and taking action to address the issue.

The current situation in Florida reflects a larger problem across the country, where homeowners have fallen victim to squatters with little legal recourse. The existing laws often favor squatters, who are well-versed in exploiting legal loopholes to their advantage. Police departments are often unable to intervene, as they view the issue as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense.

Steele's bill aims to rectify this by allowing for the immediate removal of squatters by law enforcement if they cannot produce a notarized lease or proof of rent payment. The bill also includes penalties for individuals who provide fraudulent documentation, potentially leading to criminal charges.

Peeples shared her fear for her safety during altercations with the squatters, including instances where they threw bricks and human feces at her car. Her story underscores the urgency of addressing the issue and ensuring the safety and rights of property owners.

The proposed legislation in Florida seeks to abolish squatters' rights and address the vulnerability of homeowners in the state. Squatting has become a significant problem nationwide, and the current legal framework often leaves property owners without adequate protection. The need for reform is evident, and lawmakers are taking steps to address this issue and restore fairness to the system.