Ron DeSantis is banning Chinese citizens from buying land in Florida, accusing China of taking up swathes of farmland: 'We don't want the CCP in the Sunshine State' (2024)

As an expert in international relations and government policies, particularly those related to land ownership and foreign investment, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on the recent bill signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of global economic trends, political strategies, and the intricacies of land acquisition by foreign entities.

Now, let's delve into the concepts and key elements mentioned in the article:

1. SB 246 (Senate Bill 246):

   • This is the specific bill that Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law in Florida.
   • Senate bills are legislative proposals initiated by members of the Senate.

2. Chinese Land Purchase Restrictions:

   • The bill imposes restrictions on Chinese citizens, preventing them from purchasing land in Florida unless they are American citizens or permanent residents.
   • The restrictions are a response to concerns about Chinese investors acquiring farmland in the state.

3. Exception for Non-Tourist Visa Holders:

   • An exception in the bill allows individuals on non-tourist visas to buy smaller properties (up to two acres) as long as it's not within five miles of a military installation.

4. Other Countries' Restrictions:

   • Russian, Cuban, Iranian, North Korean, Syrian, and Venezuelan citizens are also restricted from buying property within 10 miles of military bases, but they are not wholly banned from purchasing land in Florida.

5. Food Security Concerns:

   • Governor DeSantis expressed concerns about national security, linking it to food security.
   • The governor referred to an incident involving a Chinese-owned drug developer attempting to buy a significant amount of farmland in Levy County in 2022.

6. Chinese Communist Party's Role:

   • DeSantis mentioned a "concerted effort" by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to acquire farmland in Florida, attributing the new measure to counteract this effort.

7. Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land in Florida:

   • Florida has over 21.8 million acres of privately held agricultural land.
   • Approximately 6% of this land is owned by foreign investors, according to the US Department of Agriculture's 2021 data.
   • The report does not specify how much of the farmland is owned by China.

8. Chinese Land Ownership Across the US:

   • In 2021, Chinese investors owned 383,935 acres of land worth $2.1 billion across the entire United States, constituting about 1% of all foreign-held US land.
   • Investors from Canada own the most US land among foreign countries, holding 12.8 million acres worth around $11.6 billion.

9. Protests and Concerns:

   • The article mentions that dozens of Chinese-American and green card holders protested the bill in Florida, expressing concerns about the broad language of the legislation and the potential for discrimination.

10. Chinese Embassy Response:

    • The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to queries from Insider regarding the new legislation.

In conclusion, the bill reflects a response to perceived national security risks associated with foreign ownership of land, specifically targeting Chinese investors. The exceptions provided in the legislation aim to balance security concerns with the interests of certain visa holders, though concerns about potential discrimination have been raised. The broader context involves a complex interplay between economic considerations, political strategies, and global security dynamics.