Florida and other states move to block Chinese citizens from buying US homes

florida and other states move to block chinese citizens from buying us homes

Florida and other states move to block Chinese citizens from buying US homes

Florida's latest controversy yet again comes thanks to the state's Republican Party, which is currently embroiled in a battle over housing in the Sunshine State. Specifically, Florida is attempting to block Chinese citizens from purchasing homes in the state, citing national security concerns.

This block comes courtesy of a law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in 2023. The law stated that allowing Chinese citizens to continue purchasing properties in Florida was creating a threat to national security. Numerous other states have followed Florida's lead, with more than 100 bills at various levels being passed or proposed to limit foreign purchases of homes.

While DeSantis and others have maintained that this law is necessary to preserve national security, opponents have decried it as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The law's enforcement is currently being halted as a fight in Florida's courts over its legality continues.

What does Florida's Chinese housing law entail?

The law, Florida SB 264, was signed by DeSantis in May 2023. The text of the bill prohibits people who are "domiciled" in China but do not have U.S. citizenship from "purchasing or acquiring any interest in real property in the state." The lone exception in the bill is for Chinese holders of non-tourist visas, who may purchase "one residential property that is not on or within five miles of any military installation in the state." Violators of the law can face up to a year in prison.

In addition, Florida's law also carves out blocks for most citizens of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. Under SB 264, most citizens of these countries are prevented from "owning or acquiring any interest in real property within 10 miles of any military installation or critical infrastructure in the state." Critical infrastructure in this case refers to locations like airports, refineries and power plants.

SB 264 is part of a "commitment to crack down on Communist China," DeSantis said in a statement during the bill's signing.

What has the reaction to Florida's law been?

Controversy has stemmed over the true purpose of SB 264 — whether it is keeping Floridians safe or being discriminatory toward Chinese people. Many of these Florida residents have "voiced frustrations about being cut off from the ultimate American dream," The New York Times said.

"Every day I am getting phone calls from people asking if they can buy a house under the law," Yukey Hoo, a real estate agent near Orlando, said to the Times. Hoo has had to turn away about a fifth of her normal business because she was unsure if they could legally purchase a home, the Times reported.

Others, however, argue that the law is not meant to be discriminatory but rather to protect national security interests. China "has been clandestinely going after land grabs in the United States," Florida State Rep. David Borrero (R) said to the Times, and "we can't just have that in our backyard. Our national security interests come first." This is despite there being "little evidence of a credible threat considering Chinese interests currently own a miniscule amount of U.S. territory," said Politico.

Amid the controversy, civil rights groups and organizations such as the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are suing Florida over the law. Florida's 11th Circuit Court has temporarily blocked the law's enforcement while a series of appeals are heard. The ACLU has argued that SB 264 is "preempted by federal law because Congress has already established a system of national security review of real estate purchases by foreign nationals."

What other states have made similar efforts?

At least "151 bills restricting property ownership by foreign entities have been considered by 32 states" in 2024, according to the China-U.S. relations organization Committee of 100. Of these 151 bills, 78 would "prohibit Chinese citizens from purchasing or owning property," similar to Florida's SB 264.

Seven of these bills have been passed, including legislation in Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota and Utah, plus two in Nebraska, said the Committee. Three of these, Indiana's HB 1183, Nebraska's LB 1301 and South Dakota's HB 1231 "prohibit Chinese citizens from purchasing or owning some form of property."

Overall, since 2023, the year when DeSantis signed SB 264, at least "241 bills restricting property ownership by foreign entities have been considered by 39 states."

OTHER NEWS

22 minutes ago

More than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj this year amid scorching heat, Saudi health minister says

25 minutes ago

Eagles TE Dallas Goedert could have a breakout season under new OC Kellen Moore

25 minutes ago

Sister reveals how her brother's ex-girlfriend is getting his $250,000 life insurance payout - in heartbreaking cautionary tale which should serve as a warning to ALL Americans

25 minutes ago

REVEALED: The huge stock purchase this year by Warren Buffett that didn't show up in his portfolio

27 minutes ago

Russia accuses Ukraine of deadly drone attacks in Crimea's Sevastopol

27 minutes ago

Six stars who quit Midsomer Murders and why - from health concerns to show complaints

28 minutes ago

Opinion: Sorry, James Carville, but Joe Biden is the best bet to beat Trump

28 minutes ago

Pressure on Proteas after England smash United States to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

28 minutes ago

Switzerland vs Germany LIVE! Euro 2024 match stream, latest score and goal updates today

28 minutes ago

Suns still unsure about King as Magpies await

28 minutes ago

Pearson gearing up for busy summer season

28 minutes ago

The Boys May Finally Get a Supernatural Reunion Going

28 minutes ago

Graham: Senate colleagues trying to ‘destroy’ conservative Supreme Court justices with ethics reform

29 minutes ago

Jordan grabs hat-trick to set England up for a place in T20 semi-finals

29 minutes ago

Geylang International women’s team end Lion City Sailors’ unbeaten run of over two years

31 minutes ago

Election campaign day 32: Fresh betting blow for Tories

31 minutes ago

Scotland set for crucial match

31 minutes ago

Tornado threat issued for New England and regions of Northeast — including NYC

31 minutes ago

Jack Grealish will return to Man City EARLY after missing out on Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024... with the forward keen to regain his best form

31 minutes ago

AC Milan join Newcastle and Man United in the race to sign £35m-rated Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as Serie A side hunt for a replacement for Olivier Giroud

31 minutes ago

Video: Our travel hell: Manchester Airport passengers reveal chaos they endured after 'two-hour' power cut forced chiefs to cancel more than 100 flights in desperate bid to clear huge 'bottlenecks'

31 minutes ago

Phil Foden reveals key change to England training after underwhelming start to Euro 2024 - as he admits Three Lions stars 'expect more from themselves' ahead of crunch Slovenia clash

31 minutes ago

Video: Smiling 'psychopath' Pickleball swindler scammed us out of $50M, wealthy retirees say - who claim his 'satanic' response when they finally confronted him left them speechless

31 minutes ago

Chelsea star commands 100 million after claim he's open to joining Bayern

31 minutes ago

Tommy Paul holds off Lorenzo Musetti to win Queen's Club title

31 minutes ago

BBC docu-series about Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne faces 'massive stumbling block'

31 minutes ago

ANC denies FF Plus demands over Orania independence

31 minutes ago

England shocked by Gary Lineker criticism following Denmark draw

31 minutes ago

Wealth really does improve health – and here's proof

31 minutes ago

David Beckham wants World Cup winner to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after Man Utd exit

31 minutes ago

John Swinney tries to dismiss claims in stamps row

31 minutes ago

Euro 2024 viewers furious as ITV miss goal and show Cristiano Ronaldo tantrum instead

31 minutes ago

Road safety group demands end to learner permit loophole and tougher enforcement on disqualified drivers

31 minutes ago

Padraig Harrington is looking for a third straight Dick's Open title on Sunday

32 minutes ago

Tragic pilot with 'great laugh and brilliant smile' died in plane built with misaligned fin

37 minutes ago

Sha’Carri Richardson is headed to Paris after winning the women’s 100-meter at Olympic trials

40 minutes ago

​ Murder probe is launched in Dorset holiday park after man in his 70s was found unresponsive in the water: Two people are arrested

41 minutes ago

SilverStar Mountain Resort Bike Park turns 30

41 minutes ago

Hamilton ends F1 podium drought with third in Spain

41 minutes ago

All Blacks release own version of Chasing the Sun 2!