DeSantis cracks down on Chinese land ownership in Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill banning most Chinese citizens from buying land in the state, citing concerns that Chinese investors have been buying up too much farmland. An exception allows those on non-tourist visas to buy smaller properties away from military bases. The move is a response to a "concerted effort" by the Chinese Communist Party to acquire farmland in Florida, according to DeSantis. The governor referenced an incident where a Chinese-owned drug developer tried to buy 1,400 acres in Levy County for $5.5 million in late 2022. Dozens of Chinese-American and green card holders protested the new bill at Florida's capitol, saying the legislation's language is too broad and could open the door to discrimination.