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Florida restricts foreign ownership

June 2, 2023

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Florida restricts foreign ownership

The signing of Senate Bill 264 by Gov. Ron DeSantis marks a significant step towards regulating real estate transactions in Florida. The law targets citizens of specific countries, namely China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, and aims to impose restrictions on their ability to purchase real estate properties within the state. These restrictions are driven by concerns over potential national security risks and foreign influence.

The enactment of Senate Bill 264 has sparked a debate among real estate professionals and industry experts. The law imposes limitations on the acquisition of properties larger than 2 acres by citizens of certain nations. The rationale behind this legislation can be traced back to incidents like the Uranium One deal, where a Russian-backed company acquired a Canadian uranium mining company, providing Russia with a significant stake in U.S. uranium production capacity.

The acquisition of large-scale properties by foreign individuals or entities raises national security concerns. Owning extensive land assets within the United States can potentially provide foreign actors with leverage and influence over critical infrastructure or sensitive areas. Senate Bill 264 seeks to mitigate these risks by limiting real estate purchases from countries that are deemed to pose national security threats.

Foreign investment vs. local buyers

The influx of foreign investment in the real estate market can have implications for local communities and housing affordability. Senate Bill 264 addresses the issue of foreign influence by placing restrictions on real estate purchases, thereby safeguarding the interests of Florida residents and ensuring that the market remains accessible to local buyers.

The enactment of Senate Bill 264 brings forth a series of changes and considerations for the real estate market in Florida. The law applies to both residential and commercial properties and outlines stringent guidelines for determining the eligibility of individuals to engage in real estate transactions. Let us explore the implications of Senate Bill 264 in more detail.

Senate Bill 264 specifically targets citizens of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. These individuals will face limitations when attempting to purchase properties larger than 2 acres within the state of Florida. By singling out these countries, the law aims to address concerns related to national security and foreign influence.

Exceptions

The new law provides exceptions to the restrictions imposed by Senate Bill 264. Individuals who have obtained permanent residency or citizenship in the United States are exempt from the limitations on real estate purchases. This exemption ensures that foreign nationals who have established a more permanent connection to the country can still participate in the real estate market.


Links:

https://www.inman.com/2023/05/18/florida-bans-chinese-citizens-from-buying-real-estate-over-2-acres/?utm_content=bufferda4c2&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=organic&fbclid=IwAR3z1pnZe2jPooCnRSnv8qwvn5Q4VhaQCKzG7zzKXG8x2hqlIXXgc_IW1aE