Squatters are taking over homes in states with laws that protect squatters. They aren’t taking over homes in states with homeowner protection laws (I think Florida is one of them). Yet another reason to vote for a solid conservative governor and legislature in your state.
Gotta be more prevalent in blue areas. It’s gotta be more unoccupied 2nd homes so why would the socialists care?
and believe it or not, NY also recently passed an “anti-squatter” law:
New York enacted a key anti-squatter measure in April 2024 as part of the FY 2025 state budget (signed by Governor Kathy Hochul). It clarifies that squatters are not tenants under state law, making it easier for property owners to remove them without full landlord-tenant eviction proceedings.
Core Provisions (Amendment to Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law §711)Exclusion of squatters from tenant status: The law explicitly states: “A tenant shall not include a squatter.”
Definition of a squatter: A person who “enters onto or intrudes upon real property without the permission of the person entitled to possession, and continues to occupy the property without title, right or permission of the owner or owner’s agent or a person entitled to possession.”
[notice below that the bluest of blue states totally disdain
the rights of legal property rights, while protecting illegal property invaders ... the reason so many of Flash’s shows are in states like California and Washington state ...]
Several U.S. states have enacted laws (mostly since 2024) that explicitly remove or limit tenant protections for squatters — treating unauthorized occupants (those who never had permission or a lease) as trespassers rather than tenants. This allows faster removal by law enforcement, often bypassing full eviction proceedings in housing court.
These laws generally distinguish true squatters (unlawful entrants with no prior legal right) from holdover tenants (former tenants with expired leases who may still have some protections).Key States with Such LawsHere are prominent examples (as of mid-2025):New York (2024): Explicitly amended law to state “a tenant shall not include a squatter.” Squatters gain no tenant rights regardless of how long they stay. Owners can more easily involve police for removal.
Florida (2024, HB 621): Allows property owners to request sheriff removal of unauthorized occupants if they unlawfully entered, were told to leave, and are not in a landlord-tenant dispute. Squatting can carry criminal penalties; expedited process.
Georgia (2024, Squatter Reform Act / HB 1017): Requires alleged squatters to show proof of legal right within 3 days or face removal/arrest. Criminalizes unlawful squatting.
West Virginia (2024): Squatters cannot be considered tenants; treated as criminal trespassers for faster removal.
Alabama (2024): Defines squatters clearly and enables 24-hour eviction processes in some cases, with felony charges possible.
Texas (2025, SB 38 and SB 1333): Closes loopholes for quicker removal of squatters and unauthorized occupants.
Illinois (2025, SB 1563): Reclassifies squatters as trespassers (not tenants) for easier law enforcement removal.
Pennsylvania (2024, Act 88): Unauthorized occupants (never tenants) are not entitled to tenant notices; removal via ejectment action.
fsresidential.c
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Broader Trend (2024–2025)Many more states have passed related anti-squatter measures, including:Expedited removal via affidavits/petitions to law enforcement (e.g., Indiana, Kentucky, Utah — often within 48 hours).
naahq.org
Criminalization of squatting as trespass (bringing total to ~23 states by mid-2025).
Other states with notable 2024–2025 actions: Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wyoming, and more.
Note: These laws do not affect long-term adverse possession claims (which require many years — often 7–30+ — of open occupation plus other conditions like paying taxes). They focus on short-term unlawful occupancy and tenant-status loopholes.
Laws continue to evolve quickly. Outcomes depend on specific facts (e.g., proof of ownership, evidence of no permission). For a particular state or situation, check current statutes or consult a local real estate attorney, as enforcement can vary by locality.
Hmmmm….
Episode 5 Don’t Piss Off Patti Peeples
When squatters and their pit bull puppies take over a Jacksonville home, police can’t remove them; but Patti Peeples fights back from the sidewalk for 36 days, only to discover the squatters’ final act of revenge.
Florida changed their laws to protect homeowners in 2024, at virtually the same time New York did.
Georgia passed anti squatter law a couple of years ago.