We have recently been given land that holds 2 small houses in Citrus County Florida. We are paid up on our taxes and everything appears legal as this is a gift from my mother-inlaw. When I went to the property to view it there was a sign up that said No Trespassing a chain length fence and a family that has been living in one of the houses. I need to know our rights, how to evict and our legal obligations.

Hello A:

You must evict them as though they were rent paying customers...

Oh, I'd call the cops first to see if they'll remove them as trespassers.. But, I wouldn't hold my breath.

excon

So when you went up to the door and introduced yourself as the owner, and asked for their names and asked if they would like to keep renting the house what did they say

I didn't go to the door. I was alone, not the best area & didn't want to go through the gate with the No Trespassing sign. You never know when someone will pull a gun on you. Just became aware & wanted to check here before calling a lawyer.

Here is what I would do. I would get a copy of the deed showing you as the owner. I would then go to the local police and ask them to accompany you to determine who these people are and how they came to be occupying your property.

Once you have found out, then you can decide how to proceed. They could be trespassers or they could be the victims of fraud. Did you ask your mother-in-law when the property was last inspected?

By the way, this is NOT your home. Your home is where you live. This is your property, there is a difference.

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