Adverse Possession Own a Million Dollar Mansion for the cost of the property taxes.
The little known law of adverse possession is becoming a popular tool in the foreclosure crises that is still gripping Florida. Adverse possession allows any person who occupies property for seven years, maintains the property, and pays the taxes to take possession. This was a tool that has existed for hundreds of years, the goal was to keep property occupied and to ensure that the property was put to good use. In the American west this prevented out of state buyers from purchasing land and then not utilizing it. In the 21st century adverse possession occurs when someone occupies a vacant house and attempts to remain for seven years. In Boca Raton a 23 year old man has made national news attempting to adversely posses a water front mansion worth 2.5 million dollars. Andre De Palma Barbosa has been living in the waterfront house and last month filed papers with the county asserting his claim for adverse possession. The house is currently owned by Bank of America who took the deed of the house from the previous owner. Currently Barbosa is still occupying the home despite the best efforts of his neighbors to have him removed. According to the Palm Beach Post 38 claims have been filed for adverse possession in the county in the last 3 years.
Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.
Esther Uria LaBovick, Esq.
Marcie Dodson, J.D.
Rafael M. Diaz, Esq.
Mark R. Hanson, Esq.
Joseph R. Fields Jr., Esq.
Tara L. Kopp, Esq.
Warren Q. Peebles, Esq.
Joseph T. Zebrowski, J.D.