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FloridaSB 3222025SenateWALLET

Property Rights

Sponsored By: Ana Maria Rodriguez (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationJudiciaryAppropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil JusticeRulesHouse Calendar

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Wrongfully removed occupants can recover damages

Beginning July 1, 2025, people harmed by wrongful commercial-property removal can sue to regain possession. They can recover actual costs and damages, plus statutory damages equal to three times the property’s fair-market rent. Court costs and reasonable lawyer fees are also recoverable. Courts must give these cases priority and handle them quickly.

Homeowners gain stronger sheriff removal powers

Beginning July 1, 2025, Florida homeowners or their authorized agents can authorize stronger sheriff powers when seeking removal of unauthorized occupants. The sworn complaint authorizes entry, a search, and removal using reasonably necessary force. This limited process excludes current or former tenants under valid leases and immediate family members. Owners and co-owners are also excluded, except in title-fraud cases. False sworn statements carry perjury risk.

Commercial owners gain removals with fees

Beginning July 1, 2025, commercial property owners or authorized agents can file a verified complaint for prompt sheriff removal. Occupants must have entered unlawfully while the property was closed to the public and refused the owner’s direction to leave. They cannot be current or former tenants under an owner-approved written or oral rental agreement. No related lawsuit can be pending between the owner and a known unauthorized occupant. After checking eligibility, the sheriff must serve notice and restore possession; arrests are allowed for trespass or other lawful grounds. Service costs the same as serving a court order to restore possession, called a writ of possession. Optional sheriff standby during lock changes and removal of belongings can cost a reasonable hourly rate, paid by the requester. The sheriff has protection from liability for belongings; owners and agents lose that protection when removal violates the law.

Felony penalties for commercial property damage

Beginning July 1, 2025, intentional commercial-property damage of at least $1,000 triggers a second-degree felony for certain unlawful occupants. The rule covers people who unlawfully occupy, hold, or trespass on the property and intentionally cause the damage.

Property fraud felony covers commercial deals

Beginning July 1, 2025, Florida’s first-degree felony for fraudulent property deals covers all real property, not just homes. It covers knowingly listing or advertising a sale when the supposed seller lacks legal title or authority to sell. It also covers knowingly renting or leasing property without lawful ownership or a legal leasehold interest.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ana Maria Rodriguez

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Judiciary

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Rules

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 192 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

House Floor Vote

Yes: 111 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

Rules Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Vote

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2025

Judiciary Vote

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2025-112

    6/3/2025

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/2/2025

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    6/2/2025

  4. Ordered enrolled

    4/29/2025Senate

  5. CS passed; YEAS 111, NAYS 0

    4/29/2025House

  6. Read 3rd time

    4/29/2025House

  7. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    4/29/2025House

  8. Placed on 3rd reading

    4/29/2025House

  9. Read 2nd time

    4/29/2025House

  10. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)

    4/28/2025House

  11. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (4/29/2025)

    4/28/2025House

  12. Bill referred to House Calendar

    4/28/2025House

  13. In Messages

    3/19/2025House

  14. Immediately certified -SJ 242

    3/19/2025Senate

  15. CS passed; YEAS 39 NAYS 0 -SJ 236

    3/19/2025Senate

  16. Read 3rd time -SJ 235

    3/19/2025Senate

  17. Read 2nd time -SJ 235

    3/19/2025Senate

  18. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/19/25

    3/17/2025Senate

  19. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/13/2025Senate

  20. CS/CS by Rules read 1st time

    3/12/2025Senate

  21. Pending reference review -under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

    3/12/2025Senate

  22. CS/CS by- Rules; YEAS 25 NAYS 0

    3/12/2025Senate

  23. On Committee agenda-- Rules, 03/12/25, 11:00 am, 412 Knott Building

    3/7/2025Senate

  24. Now in Rules

    3/6/2025Senate

  25. Favorable by Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; YEAS 8 NAYS 0

    3/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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