Anti-squatting 'professional' celebrates Florida ban, as other state laws frustrate homeowners

The practice of squatting — or living in a home against the wishes of homeowners, often being protected by Byzantine civil statutes — is becoming a trend in the U. S.

However, upon the passage of a bipartisan state law in Florida that effectively bans the ability for unwanted house guests to stay as long as they want, a self-described anti-squatting activist and "professional" squatter-remover told Fox News he hopes more states will follow suit.

Flash Shelton first encountered squatting when individuals made themselves at home long-term at his mother's California house after his father died.

Shelton recounted to "America Reports" on Wednesday how police informed him that their hands were tied on a criminal justice level, and that evicting the squatters would have to be a civil matter.

"I decided to break the laws down and figured out that if they could take a house, I could take a house, and I got my squatters out in less than a day, and I decided to devote the attention I was getting from my YouTube channel to do something good," Shelton, who is the founder of the United Handymans Association, said.

"I announced a year ago I was going to fight for squatter law change, and then I opened up Squatter Hunters to help homeowners get rid of their squatters."

Shelton called the Florida law a "positive step" that could set a precedent for other states to pass similar laws.

"As long as we can absolutely detail out the difference between squatting being criminal and tenant rights being civil, then I think it will make the difference and give the homeowners the balance and support that they deserve," he said.

Florida's law, celebrated by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, curtails lengthy civil court eviction processes and allows police to arrest squatters who cannot produce a lease or proof they are paying rent.... (Read more)

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