An investigation revealed that a South Florida home known for its extravagant Christmas decorations had been illegally occupied for nearly two decades.
According to legal documents obtained by PEOPLE from the Broward County Property Appraiser’s investigation, Kathy Hyatt, a realtor, and her ex-husband Mark, who died in 2020, allegedly “squatted” in their Plantation, Florida, home for 15 years. According to the report, the property had no title and a “forged deed.”
The investigation was dubbed “The Nightmare Before Christmas” by the Appraiser’s office because the Hyatts were known for going all out with their holiday decorations, covering the house in thousands of colored string lights, festive figures, and large glowing lawn ornaments, earning it the nickname “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” house. Even so, there were some squabbles with neighbors and the city of Plantation Plantation over the years.
“There were some legal issues and complaints between the city of plantation and the Hyatts that stemmed from the Christmas lights situation,” Vivian Gallinal, Crimes Against Property Investigator at the appraiser’s office, tells PEOPLE.
Property scam leads to back taxes
TikTok is blown away by a viral Home Depot Christmas tree with color-changing lights. Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar stated that his office is seeking justice for county taxpayers.
“I am proud of our Crimes Against Property Team for shining the light on the fraud that took place as I am hopeful it will bring the innocent victims a little comfort,” he said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Further, our office is rightfully back taxing the property in the amount of thousands of dollars as our Broward County taxpayers are also the victims of fraud and deserve to be made whole.”
According to the appraiser’s office, the Homestead Exemption back taxes against the property are $34,724.68.
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While the statute of limitations for any criminal charges has expired, Gallinal claims that the issue of who owns the home must now be resolved.
“That part is being sorted out and we’re attempting to determine that. But that takes some time,” she added.
PEOPLE contacted Kathy Hyatt, but she declined to comment on the matter.
