The bill establishes a new section, 82.037, in the Florida Statutes, which allows property owners or their authorized agents to request the immediate removal of unauthorized persons from their commercial real property by the sheriff, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include the property not being open to the public at the time of the unauthorized entry, the owner having directed the unauthorized individuals to leave, and the absence of any current or former tenant agreements. The property owner or agent must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff, who is then required to serve a notice to vacate and may arrest any unauthorized individuals found on the property. The sheriff is entitled to a fee for this service, and both the sheriff and the property owner are protected from liability for any loss or damage to personal property unless the removal was not conducted in accordance with the law.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to include criminal penalties for unlawfully detaining or damaging commercial real property, and it prohibits fraudulent listings or advertisements for sale or lease of real property. The amendments to sections 806.13 and 817.0311 expand the scope of these offenses to include commercial properties, thereby enhancing legal protections for property owners. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 322 Filed: 806.13, 817.0311