Florida Trespassing on Vacant Lot

[Guitar10]

Florida

Hello,

If I recently purchased a vacant lot with intent to build a new home, would I need to post "no trespassing" signs to shield myself from liability if someone were to wander onto the property and injure themselves? Florida appears to have strong anti-trespassing laws but there seems to be a void if there is no "notice" such as a house, fence, etc like a vacant lot where one would not be tresspassing if there is no sign posted, and an injury would leave the property owner liable. Please advise.

Thank you!

 

[adjusterjack]

Yes, put up no trespassing signs. It will help but it won't prevent lawsuits, might just give you a defense.

The best advice is to have liability insurance on the property.

If you already own a home and have a homeowners policy the liability coverage should extend to "vacant land, other than farm land, owned by or rented to an "insured."" It also should extend to that property while a home is being built on it. Renters policies should have the same liability extension. READ your policy and make sure it has the same provisions.

If you have neither, contact an insurance agent ASAP and buy a stand-alone personal liability policy on that property. Might cost you a few hundred but you'll sleep better.