On Monday (May 8), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed several bills that would bar Chinese nationals from buying land in the Sunshine State.
In a press release, DeSantis revealed he had signed bills SB 264, SB 846, and SB 258, highlighting how the move comes after he urged his state legislature last year to support efforts to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) corporate espionage and higher education subterfuge.
SB 264, referred to as “Interests of Foreign Countries,” prohibits government entities from entering into contracts with foreign countries and related entities and restricts the transfer of agricultural land and real estate to foreign principals, including the People’s Republic of China and other entities and persons connected with the state.
According to Fox Florida affiliate WTVT, the legislation allows Chinese nationals with non-tourist visas to purchase individual plots of land smaller than 2 acres and at least 5 miles from military installations.
SB 864, called “Agreements of Educational Entities with Foreign Entities,” prohibits public colleges and universities and their employees and representatives from accepting gifts or donations from a college or university located in a foreign country of concern.
According to the news release, State colleges and universities may also not accept grants or enter into contracts or partnerships with foreign colleges or universities unless the Florida Board of Governors or the State Board of Education authorizes such partnerships.
SB 258 requires the state Department of Administrative Services to “create a list of prohibited applications owned by a foreign principal or foreign country of concern” that pose a cybersecurity and privacy risk, which would include China.
