Index
Florida Foreign Land Ownership Ban (SB 264)
Summary
Florida law strictly prohibits individuals and entities associated with specific 'foreign countries of concern' (most notably China) from purchasing agricultural land or real estate near military bases and critical infrastructure.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Citizens of China who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents are almost entirely banned from buying any real property in Florida.
- 02.Citizens of other 'countries of concern' (Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria) cannot buy agricultural land in Florida.
- 03.Citizens of those countries also cannot buy land within 10 miles of any military installation or critical infrastructure facility (like an airport, seaport, or power plant).
- 04.There is a narrow exception allowing someone with a non-tourist visa to buy one small residential property (up to 2 acres), provided it is not too close to a military base.
Penalties
- 01.Selling land in violation of this law is a criminal offense (up to a felony for selling to Chinese nationals). The state can seize and forcibly sell the illegally purchased property.
Verified Citations
Florida Statutes Chapter 692
Source"A foreign principal may not directly or indirectly own, have a controlling interest in, or acquire by purchase, grant, devise, or descent agricultural land or any interest... in such land in this state."