Patti Peeples, a Florida homeowner, experienced squatting on her property just as she was about to sell it. It took 36 days to evict the squatters and thousands of dollars to repair the damage they left behind. Peeples’ experience led her to bring attention to the issue, leading to the passage of a Florida bill that gave property rights to homeowners and protected them from squatters. This case demonstrated the impact everyday citizens can have on legislative change.
“Squatting is a nationwide issue,” Peeples stated, stressing the importance of raising awareness about squatting cases. Rep. Kevin Steele and Sen. Keith Perry saw Peeples’ story on Fox News and contacted her to address the problem. Peeples emphasized the importance of publicizing stories like hers to inspire legislative action. She was invited to provide testimony before Florida Senate and House committees on the issue, using her personal experience to advocate for homeowners’ rights.
On March 27, 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bill HB 621, which protects homeowners’ rights, provides remedies against squatters, and increases penalties for squatting. Peeples shared her testimony about the challenges homeowners face when dealing with squatters and praised the bipartisan support the bill received in Congress. She noted that the passing of the bill in Florida inspired other states, such as New York, South Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan, to address squatting through legislation.
Peeples emphasized that squatters do not discriminate and could intrude on any homeowner at any time. Despite remaining a landlord with one rental property, she has no plans to acquire more real estate ventures. Peeples faced financial losses due to the squatters’ presence in her home, which led to a decrease in the property’s value. In addition to financial burdens, she highlighted the emotional toll squatting can take on homeowners, including fear for safety and sleep loss.
Peeples expressed concern about property owners resorting to violence to remove squatters due to the lack of legal recourse. She emphasized the importance of working within the law to address squatting issues and prevent violence. Peeples shared her ongoing legal battle seeking damages from the squatters responsible for trespassing and criminal mischief in her home. Despite the challenges she faced, Peeples remains committed to raising awareness about squatting and advocating for legislative change.
Peeples’ story underscores the impact of personal experiences on legislative action and highlights the need for stronger protections for homeowners against squatters. By sharing her story and advocating for change, Peeples has contributed to the passage of laws that safeguard property rights and provide remedies for homeowners affected by squatting. Her efforts have inspired bipartisan support and led to nationwide awareness of the issue, demonstrating the power of citizen advocacy in addressing common everyday problems.
