Florida bans Chinese citizens from purchasing land with new bill.

Florida Legislature Approves Bill Banning Chinese Nationals from Owning Property in the State

Florida’s Legislature has passed a bill that prohibits Chinese nationals from owning property in the state. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law soon. The bill, known as SB 264 or “Interests of Foreign Countries,” forbids Chinese citizens from purchasing or acquiring real property in Florida or holding more than a minor indirect interest in such property. The state’s legislators supported the bill on a bipartisan basis, citing threats to national security as justification for its passing. The law was approved by the Senate in a 31-8 vote and the House with a 95-17 vote.

Opposition to the Bill

The new legislation is being opposed by Chinese Americans who gathered outside and demonstrated on Saturday, chanting “Florida is our home” in front of the Florida State Capitol. More than 100 people similarly opposed the measure at a committee hearing last month, citing fears that it would result in racial profiling and prejudice. If the legislation were to pass, realtors would face civil or criminal liability if they had actual knowledge of a transaction’s illegality. Furthermore, opponents claim that the legislation goes against the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home or engaging in other housing-related activities. The law forbids discrimination based on racial, ethnic, national, religious, and sexual preferences.

Other States Enacting Similar Legislation

Florida is not the first state to enact legislation prohibiting Chinese people from owning land. South Carolina’s Senate approved a law prohibiting “alien land ownership” in late March of this year. Eleven additional states have also discussed or implemented legislation pertaining to Chinese land ownership.

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