Federal Judge Allows Florida Law Restricting Chinese Land Ownership

A federal judge in Florida has denied a request to halt a new state law that restricts citizens from certain countries, including China, from purchasing property in certain parts of Florida. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibits individuals from "foreign countries of concern" from owning property within 10 miles of military installations and requires registration for those who already own restricted property. A group of Chinese citizens filed a lawsuit arguing that the law stigmatizes them and violates the Fair Housing Act. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate a substantial likelihood of winning the case, and the American Civil Liberties Union plans to appeal the decision.