How long must a new owner possess property to claim adverse possession in Florida?

In Florida, a new owner must possess property for a minimum of 7 years to successfully claim adverse possession. This legal doctrine allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically involving a period of continuous and exclusive possession, as well as a demonstration of the possessory intent to treat the property as their own.

The 7-year duration serves as a significant period intended to encourage the productive use of land and to provide a clear standard for establishing rights to property that may be abandoned or unused. During this time, the claimant must demonstrate that their occupation is open, notorious, and without permission from the original owner. If these conditions are met over the stipulated period, the claimant may petition for legal title to the property.

This time frame is established in the Florida statutes governing adverse possession, reflecting a balance between the rights of property owners and the public policy interests in land use.