Appeals Court blocks Florida law against Chinese land ownership

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on February 1, 2024 has temporarily ruled that Florida cannot enforce the Interests of Foreign Countries law during the case. This is not a complete reversal of the law as the case is still pending, but one of the panel judges, Judge Nancy Abudu, stated that it's discriminatory nature is a clear violation of the 14th Amendment. The Interests of Foreign Countries law, which took effect on July 1st, 2023, prohibits most kinds of property ownership by Chinese citizens who have not gotten permanent residency or are otherwise affiliated with the Chinese government and Chinese businesses or political parties. Supporters of the law claim that its is rooted in a desire to protect national security and also applies restrictions to Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, who do not have much, if any, business in Florida. The ruling against the law is of relevance outside of Florida as well, as other state legislatures, such as the Texas and Alabama legislatures, consider implementing their own versions of the law.?

Authors: Michael Gregory, James Galloway