Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announces new squatting law they can intervene in starting July 1 – 104.5 WOKV

This law aims to protect owners of residential properties from individuals illegally occupying their properties. It provides a legal solution to keep unauthorized persons away from residential real estate. Property owners or their authorized agents may request assistance from JSO to evacuate unauthorized occupants if specific conditions are met.

Conditions of application of the JSO:

• The applicant must be the owner of the property or an agent.
• The property must include residential accommodation.
• Unauthorized persons must have entered and remained on the property illegally.
• The property must not have been open to the public when unauthorized persons entered.
• The owner must have ordered unauthorized persons to leave the premises.
• Unauthorized persons must not be current or former tenants under a rental agreement.
• Unauthorized persons must not be members of the owner's immediate family.
• There must be no pending dispute related to the property between the owner and any unauthorized person.

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To begin this process, owners or authorized agents must complete a form available on the JSO website beginning July 1.

The form must be completely completed and include supporting documents, such as a government-issued ID. Authorized agents must also provide a power of attorney or other legal documents proving their authority to act on the owner's behalf. The form must be completed under penalty of perjury.

After completing the form, the owner or real estate agent should call JSO's non-emergency number, 904-630-0500. An officer will review the documents and determine next steps.

JSO will provide ongoing updates to the community as the effective date of the legislation approaches and will make the required form available on its website. website.

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