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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ch. SL 2025-882025-08-06

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates an expedited court process for property owners to remove people occupying residential property without legal authorization, such as unpaid squatters. The process requires a court hearing within 48 hours of filing, and if the property owner wins, the unauthorized person must vacate within 4 hours of the court order.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects property owners' rights by providing a faster alternative to traditional eviction proceedings, which can take months.
• •They contend it addresses the problem of squatting and unlawful occupation by establishing clear procedures to remove people with no legal claim to the property, while exempting tenants with valid leases and providing appeal rights for those removed.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents worry the expedited timeline (48-hour hearing, 4-hour vacate notice) may not provide adequate due process or time for unauthorized occupants to gather belongings or challenge removal.
• •They express concerns that the process could be misused against people with legitimate claims (such as those arguing oral agreements or caretaker relationships), and note the high $10,000 appeal bond may prevent poor individuals from contesting wrongful removals.