FL H0997

Creates s. 702.13, F.S., allowing mortgagees to file a court motion for an expedited foreclosure on residential real property determined to be abandoned, requiring a signed affidavit citing at least 3 of 14 specified indicators of abandonment (e.g., disconnected utilities, accumulated mail, boarded windows, stripped materials, accumulated debris)

Requires the mortgagee to deliver or mail notice to each known mortgagor and homeowner and conspicuously post a notice in 12-point boldface type on the property, including the motion details, consequences, supporting documents, and court contact information

Directs the court to schedule a hearing between 15 and 25 calendar days after notice is sent; if abandonment is proven by a preponderance of the evidence, the court renders a declaratory judgment and immediately proceeds to a foreclosure trial and public sale

Prohibits the court from granting the motion if a mortgagor, lawful occupant, or adverse possessor under s. 95.18 objects to the finding of abandonment, and allows rescission of all orders if reasonable evidence that the property is not abandoned is presented before the sale

Excludes properties subject to quiet title actions, probate proceedings, disputed ownership litigation, or buildings undergoing permitted construction or renovation; effective date of July 1, 2024