Squatter Takes Over House Worth $2.5 Million

A squatter took over a $2.5 million house in Florida last month after filing an adverse possession claim.

Squatter Takes Over House (Photo: Sun Sentinel)

Reports say 23-year-old Brazilian national Andre de Paula Barbosa moved into the oceanfront property at 580 Golden Harbour Drive in Boca Raton before Christmas.

Under a little-known Florida law called "Adverse Possession," one can legally acquire a property if he/she files a claim, moves in, pays taxes and makes improvements for seven years for as long as the owner does not object.

Because of Barbosa's documents, the Sheriff's department has been unable to kick him out the mansion. 

The luxury house taken over by Barbosa is a foreclosed property and had been vacant for about 18 months.

On Friday, the Bank of America has reportedly filed to have the squatter evicted from the 7,522-square-foot house.