Adverse possession in Florida requires 7 years of actual, continued, exclusive possession plus paying all taxes within a year and filing a return with the property appraiser (Fla. Stat. § 95.18). Separately, the 2024 anti-squatter law HB 621 (Fla. Stat. § 82.036) lets owners have a sheriff remove unauthorized occupants within hours, without a lawsuit.
Under § 95.18, a person claiming title without a written instrument must hold 'actual continued possession of real property for 7 years under a claim of title exclusive of any other right,' pay all outstanding taxes within 1 year of entering possession, keep paying taxes, and file an adverse-possession return with the county property appraiser within 30 days; the property must be enclosed or 'cultivated, maintained, or improved in a usual manner.' The return 'does not create any interest enforceable by law.' HB 621 (effective July 1, 2024) created § 82.036: an owner or agent files a verified complaint and the sheriff 'shall, without delay, serve a notice to immediately vacate' on unlawful occupants who are not current or former tenants or family.
Under § 82.036, removed occupants who are actually lawful may sue for wrongful removal and recover actual damages, triple the fair market rent, costs, and fees. Squatters who present fraudulent documents face a first-degree misdemeanor, and those who intentionally cause $1,000 or more in damage face a second-degree felony.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Delray Beach, FL
Modified exhausts, loud stereos, and engine revving are prohibited under Delray Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 99 and Florida Statute §316.293. Vehicle aud...
Delray Beach, FL
Construction in Delray Beach is permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to 5 PM Saturdays. No construction allowed on Sundays or federal holid...
Delray Beach, FL
Amplified outdoor music requires a Special Event Permit from the City of Delray Beach. Atlantic Avenue venues must hold an entertainment license. Music must ...
Delray Beach, FL
Continuous or habitual barking for more than 15 minutes, or intermittent barking over 30 minutes, constitutes a noise nuisance in Delray Beach. Palm Beach Co...
Delray Beach, FL
Commercial operations in Delray Beach must not exceed 65 dBA at residential property lines during the day and 55 dBA at night under Chapter 99. Loading dock ...
Delray Beach, FL
Delray Beach enforces quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 7 AM Friday and Saturday. Atlantic Avenue entertainment distric...
See how Delray Beach's squatter's rights & adverse possession rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.