New Florida law comes into effect this month

 

A new property law banning citizens from certain companies from buying agricultural land and residential real estate in Florida came into effect this month.  Senate Bill 264 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May.  The law bans citizens from Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, and Syria from buying agricultural land and real estate within a 20-mile radius of airports, U.S. military installations, and critical infrastructure facilities.  Governor DeSantis justified the new law and emphasized his commitment to cracking down on China, which according to him, poses a great geopolitical threat.  People who already own properties in the restricted areas are required to register with the state or face fines of up to $1,000 per day.  A group of Chinese citizens recently sued Florida officials claiming the law was discriminatory, unconstitutional, and violates Fair Housing Act.