DeSantis Signs Bill Targeting Home ‘Squatters’ By Sara Filips MARCH 28, 2024 A law that goes into effect on July 1 allows property owners to remove an unauthorized person from their property. Florida Realtors considered passage of the law a 2024 legislative priority. TAMPA, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 621 in Orlando on Wednesday, ending the squatters scam in the state of Florida. The legislation protects citizen's property rights, giving homeowners remedies against squatting, and penalties for squatters. "We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida," DeSantis said. "While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system." The bill allows a property owner to request an officer to remove an unauthorized person from their property, but the owner must contact the sheriff and file a complaint to show eligibility. If the officer can verify their ownership of t

Grrrrrr. Oh, sorry.  I meant hello. Now, about that hour. I love Spring, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I’ve been anti Day Light Saving Time since before I was aware it became a “thing” to be so. Now there are two camps, to be sure. Actually…….three. 1.       Those who think we here in Florida should keep participating in Day Light Saving Time, so go right ahead and Spring forward on Sunday, 2a. (we really don’t have much of a choice at this moment in time, anyway) 2.       Those who think we should just stop the nonsense and let Mother Nature do her thing naturally with the light. That would mean we do not Spring our clocks forward, nor do we fall back when autumn comes along again. This is the camp I’m in. Daylight. Evening. Seasonal. Nature’s Way. 3.       THEN, there are THOSE who think we should Spring Forward for Day Light Saving Time, but NEVER fall back. In other words, perennially be in Day Light Saving Time. You know, like 10p at Disney as if it’s 10a when i

JANUARY 9, 2024 Share this article:  Important Terms to Understand Homebuying By Delaney Nelson Homebuying comes with a new lingo, so understanding the new terms is important for a successful sale. NEW YORK – The process of getting ready to buy a home can be complicated — and wordy. Especially if it's your first time. Here, we've made it a little easier for you by defining some of the words and phrases you're likely to come across at the start of your home buying journey. Here are some of the terms you'll need to know. The big picture Mortgage: an agreement between a homebuyer and lender that says if the borrower fails to pay off their loan plus interest, the lender can take possession of the property. Mortgage is also often used to refer to a home loan. Mortgage rate: the percentage of interest on a home loan. Mortgage rates can change with overall economic conditions, but also depend on your credit score and financial circumstances. Variable rate mortgage: This is a t