Adverse possession in Florida
Florida bars an action to recover land unless the person suing, or someone they claim through, held or possessed it within 7 years before the suit (Fla. Stat. 95.12).
How long it takes in Florida
Under color of title, Florida treats land as held adversely when the occupant claims under a written instrument, decree or judgment and has been in continued possession for 7 years (Fla. Stat. 95.16).
Without color of title, the possessor must hold the land for 7 years, pay all outstanding taxes and liens within 1 year of entering, and keep paying them for the remaining years (Fla. Stat. 95.18).
Sources: FL seven-year limit; FL seven years under a recorded instrument; FL taxes without color of title
What the statute requires
A claim without color of title also requires filing a return describing the property with the county property appraiser within 30 days after paying the taxes (Fla. Stat. 95.18).
Without color of title, land counts as possessed only if it has been protected by a substantial enclosure or cultivated, maintained, or improved in a usual manner (Fla. Stat. 95.18).
Occupying a residential structure by an adverse possession claim before filing the required return is trespass under Florida law (Fla. Stat. 95.18).
Common questions
How many years for adverse possession in Florida?
Florida bars an action to recover land unless the person suing, or someone they claim through, held or possessed it within 7 years before the suit (Fla. Stat. 95.12).