Florida Law Limits Property Ownership for Citizens of Seven Countries, Including China

A federal judge has ruled that a Florida law restricting property ownership for citizens of China and six other countries will remain active while it is being challenged in court. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this summer, prevents individuals associated with the Chinese government, political parties, business organizations, and non-U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents domiciled in China from buying property in Florida. It also limits property ownership for individuals from Russia, Iran, Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the law legitimizes and expands housing discrimination. The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that the law likely violates the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.