Florida Looks to Block Foreign Power Land Grabs

Tallahassee-Governor Ron Desantis spoke today at the Florida State Capital about the potential dangers of the Chinese Communist Party, among other foreign powers, from buying strategic land (mainly agricultural) throughout the country.

“Now we see the CCP trying to make strategic land purchases across the U.S. and our message in Florida is very simple…we will not allow land grabs by CCP backed businesses in our state,” DeSantis told the legislatively body.

This comes in response to a growing concern across the country about foreign entities purchasing agricultural land here at home. China owns over 200,000 acres of agriculturally zoned land across America, a number that is rising. There have been several moves across different state legislatures to prevent this from happening, but Florida is working on becoming the first to have it on the books.

Senator Jay Collins, from District 14, representing Hillsborough County, introduced Senate Bill 264: Interests of Foreign Countries. (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/264) It has been referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committees and has major traction.

The bill also touches on government entities from entering into contracts with foreign governments.