Adverse Possession

Definition: Adverse possession is a method of acquiring ownership through possession that satisfies strict legal requirements contrary to the owner's rights over the required period.

Example

A boundary dispute raises whether a long-standing occupant can prove every element of an adverse-possession claim.

Keep the distinction clear

Simply occupying land or paying taxes does not automatically confer ownership. Florida distinguishes claims with and without color of title and imposes additional statutory conditions.

Related terms

Color of Title · Title · Easement by Prescription

Keep studying

DEEP C: The Bundle of Property Rights Explained

References: Florida Statutes 95.18: adverse possession without color of title · Florida Statutes 95.16: adverse possession under color of title

Pronunciation (US): ad-VERS puh-ZESH-uhn (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster