New Florida law bans Chinese citizens from buying real estate; understand

A new law in Florida, U.S, has prohibited many Chinese citizens from acquiring property in the state, especially in locations near military installations, airports or refineries. This rule came into effect in July 2023 and was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, shortly before launching his presidential campaign.

In addition to preventing Chinese entities from purchasing agricultural land, the new law effectively prohibits most Chinese individuals without a green card buy residential properties. As such, buyers can face jail time, while sellers and real estate agents can be held liable.

According to information from the newspaper The globe, more than three dozen states have enacted or are considering similar laws that restrict land purchases by Chinese citizens and companies. The argument is that these transactions are a growing threat to national security and that the federal government has failed to prevent the influence of Chinese Communist Party (PCC) in the United States. “Today, Florida makes it very clear: we do not want the CCP in the Sunshine State”declared the mayor last year.

Chinese residents express their frustrations

According to the newspaper, Chinese residents in Florida expressed their frustrations at being cut off from the ultimate American dream. Other residents of Chinese descent said they faced discrimination when they tried to buy a home. Some said they lived in fear of inadvertently violating the law.

Civil rights groups and Asian Americans are not aware that anyone has been accused of violating the law. But some people of Chinese descent said they feel anti-China sentiment intensifying. The law is currently being challenged in federal court.

“I never felt any discrimination here before this law. But now I’m wondering if I need to leave Florida”he said Jin Bianum Chinese software developer working on Cover and is among those who are now prevented from buying property.

Already Lisa Li, who moved to the United States 11 years ago as a college student from China, had the opportunity to purchase her new home. However, as soon as it made an offer, the company responsible for the deed raised concerns regarding the new law. “The whole experience was very painful and tiring. I feel that, as someone who has lived and worked in this country for many years and as a legal taxpayer, at the very least I should be able to purchase a house that I can live in.”reported to the newspaper.

Impact on the real estate sector

The law also had an apparent chilling effect on the real estate industry, an important part of the state’s economy. Developers often rely on Chinese investors to help build projects in Florida, and the law appears to have blocked that financing, prompting pushback from a prominent real estate lobby group.

Also according to O Globo, the rule is part of a broader package approved by the Florida Legislature last year, which included a bill restricting public universities and colleges in the state from offering research positions to students from China and other countries. .

The law is being challenged in the courts

Florida real estate groups have sued over a law that bans Chinese citizens from trying to buy homes. It came after four people and a real estate agent filed a lawsuit last year challenging restrictions focused on people from China, including arguing that the law violates equal protection rights and the Federal Fair Housing Act. That case is pending in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The case presented is broader, as it also applies to restrictions imposed on people from Russia, Will, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela It is Syria – each of which Florida calls “worrying foreign country”.

*text under the supervision of Tomaz Belluomini