> what is the Florida law on not checking out and insisting on
> extending by a day?

You could get to meet the police. You could be ticketed. You might be required
to appear in court. If you don't pay the fine and/or appear in court; expect the
court/judge to issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Your next visit to the USA
could become quite "interesting" while CBP and ICE decide to do with you. i.e.
Expect to be detained for an inconvenient period and unpleasant accommodations.

> In some jurisdictions one can stay but have to pay the rack rate.

Not in this jurisdiction.

> does Diamond status give me any automatic right to extend?

No. Nope. Negative. Nyet. Non.

> All contributions gratefully received and if there is anything I can
> help with in London (or Africa) just send a PM

Sadly; your subsequent posts do not reflect this statement.

> It is noteworthy that almost without exception these [unhelpful? impolite?]
> posts came from those on this forum who appear to have no status with Hilton.

Good grief. There is no FlyerTalk requirement that I brag about my 2,000+ nights
and 1,500+ stays at Hilton properties.

> What do they think the HH programme is? It is not a country club, but a
> business promotion by a commercial organisation to incentivise its best
> customers

Do you know? The program has perfectly clear T&Cs. But you expect treatment
out of bounds of what HHonors provides for Diamonds. When called on it, you
behave boorishly.

> It is Hilton's ball and it is up to them to set the rules and those that
> don't like them should just choose another brand.

Precisely. So play by the Diamond rules. Heck, ASK for a favor. But your sense of
entitlement and proposal to act as a squatter ... are both unethical and illegal in
Florida.

> those who use the word "illegal" in posts on FT should do a little studying
> of the Innkeeper's Statutes around the world before they start to use words
> they obviously do not understand.

Sadly; you don't take your own advice for the place you are visitng.

My advice:

- You are a guest.
- Act like one.

> Wife ...

Admit it: This is not the first time that you have disappointed her, eh?