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.
Hollywood, FL
Hollywood's noise ordinance governs construction noise. All construction must obtain appropriate building permits. Construction activity that violates noise ...
Hollywood, FL
Barking dogs that create unreasonably loud noise crossing property lines violate Hollywood's Noise Ordinance. Complaints must be signed affidavits by the com...
Hollywood, FL
Hollywood is near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). FAA rules preempt local aircraft noise regulation. The Broward County Aviation Depar...
Hollywood, FL
Hollywood's Noise Ordinance (effective May 1, 2021) defines Quiet Hours as 11 PM–6 AM. Noise is prohibited when it is plainly audible across a property line ...
Hollywood, FL
Some commercial vehicles (vans, pickup trucks) may be stored on residential property but must be screened from view. Special-purpose vehicles (race cars, swa...
Hollywood, FL
Boats and RVs must be parked on a hard, improved surface (concrete, asphalt, or pavers) in the side or rear yard where accessible, and screened from adjacent...
See how Hollywood's squatter's rights & adverse possession rules stack up against other locations.
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