In a swift and decisive move, jurors took just 35 minutes to convict Olandis Hobbs, 37, of fraudulently seizing a $700,000 condo near Panama City Beach in Florida. Dubbed a “squatter on steroids,” Hobbs was found guilty of grand theft, identity fraud, filing false documents, and forgery. This rapid conviction followed the recent implementation of Florida’s House Bill 621, aimed at cracking down on property theft and squatting.
The Master Manipulator
Hobbs’s scheme was as audacious as it was intricate. He targeted the condo of an 85-year-old woman and her children, changing the locks and notifying the condo management of new ownership. Throughout this time, the rightful owners continued to pay HOA fees and property taxes, helplessly locked out of their own home.
Prosecutor Josh James didn’t mince words, calling Hobbs “a dangerous man” with a history of similar crimes. “This defendant is a squatter on steroids,” James said, emphasizing that Hobbs had perpetrated similar frauds in New York without facing arrest.
New Law, New Era
Florida’s House Bill 621, which became law on July 1, 2024, played a crucial role in Hobbs’s quick removal and subsequent conviction. The law allows authorities to swiftly evict squatters, a significant improvement over previous regulations that often left property owners caught up in prolonged legal battles.
Ben Caballero, a real estate broker, highlighted the impact of the new law. “The reason the homeowner was able to remove the squatter quickly was because Florida recently criminalized squatting and provided homeowners with a way to defend their property rights,” he told Newsweek. He noted that other states are beginning to follow Florida’s lead.
A Nationwide Issue
Squatting, where individuals occupy properties without legal rights or payment, is a widespread issue. According to the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), squatters exploit legal loopholes, living rent-free and often damaging properties.
In states like New York, squatters previously gained tenant rights after 30 days of occupancy, forcing owners into lengthy eviction processes. However, Governor Kathy Hochul recently changed the definition of “tenant” to exclude squatters, simplifying their removal.
Preventive Measures
Title and escrow expert Alan Chang warned that forgery and fraud are on the rise nationwide. He advised property owners to stay vigilant. “Vacant properties are especially vulnerable to squatters,” Chang said. “Regular monitoring and visits can help deter this kind of criminal activity.”
Olandis Hobbs’s conviction is a testament to the effectiveness of Florida’s new anti-squatting law and a warning to other fraudsters. As more states consider similar legislation, property owners can hope for better protection against such brazen crimes.
References:
Newsweek: Florida ‘Squatter On Steroids’ Convicted After Only 35 Minutes
American Apartment Owners Association: Squatters’ Rights
Greenspoon Marder LLP: Florida’s Crackdown on Residential Squatting
ABC7 New York: Gov. Hochul speaks on new anti-squatter law: They ‘do not have the rights of tenants’
