What Homeowners Need to Know About Squatters
November 13, 2025
Diane Pisani
How to protect your property from unauthorized occupants while you’re away If you spend part of the year away from your home, one of the risks you may not think
about enough is someone moving in without your permission — and then trying to stay.
It’s not just inconvenient. Under certain state laws and conditions, squatters may obtain
rights you wouldn’t expect.
When someone enters and resides in your property without permission, we commonly
call that “squatting.” While the term implies someone illegally taking over, the legal
implications can be complex. Laws such as adverse possession and recent state-level
updates determine how property owners can respond — and how quickly they must act.
In Florida, for example, a person could attempt to claim ownership after seven
consecutive years of open, continuous, and unauthorized use. New laws, including §
82.036 of the Florida Statutes (effective July 1, 2024) and Senate Bill 322 (June
2025), now give property owners more power to act fast and request that the sheriff
remove unauthorized occupants under specific conditions.
If you leave your home unoccupied for long periods, it can appear inviting to squatters.
Accumulated mail, overgrown landscaping, and dark or inactive homes all signal that no
one is watching. That’s why regular attention and documentation matter.
At the very least, have a trusted friend or family member check your home — even if
you are gone for a short time. However, especially for snowbirds and those taking
extended trips, professional Home Watch service is the best solution. Whether a
snowbird or full-time homeowner, your unoccupied home is a vulnerable home.
Engage a Certified Home Watch Reporter to conduct regular visits and document your
property’s condition. They check for signs of occupancy, damage, utility issues, mail or
package buildup, and confirm that everything remains in proper order. Many
homeowners’ insurance policies now require documented visits when a property is
unoccupied — and having professional reports could make all the difference if you ever
need to file a claim.
Maintain the appearance of occupancy: mow the lawn, keep lights on timers, and collect
or forward mail. Rekey locks when needed, and keep utilities active unless you have a
plan otherwise. Provide your Certified Home Watch Reporter with written authorization
to act on your behalf, and maintain records of visits and property condition.
Turning a blind eye to an unoccupied property can lead to far more than minor
inconveniences — it can open the door to squatters who move in, take control, and
create a nightmare that’s costly to undo. Even short periods of unauthorized occupancy
can lead to damage, legal battles, and liability issues. Every day that passes strengthens their appearance of “possession” and weakens your position as the rightful owner.
Don’t give squatters or unauthorized occupants the opportunity to take advantage of
your absence. Stay proactive, stay present, and stay protected with regular Home
Watch visits.
If you’d like help setting up a Home Watch plan or connecting with a Certified Home
Watch Reporter near you, visit www.FindHomeWatch.com — your first step toward
peace of mind.
