US state maintains ban on Chinese real estate purchases

A coastal area in Florida, USA

Reuters reported on August 18 that a federal judge in the state of Florida (USA) refused to lift the regulation prohibiting Chinese citizens and "countries of concern" from owning real estate in this state.

Judge Allen Winsor in Tallahassee said the rule does not violate the U.S. Constitution or laws prohibiting discrimination in real estate, because the ban is based on the buyer's nationality, not race or national origin.

Mr. Windsor, appointed by former President Donald Trump, rejected a petition filed in May by four Chinese nationals seeking to lift the ban.

Attorney Ashley Gorski, representing the plaintiffs, said the group will appeal the ruling. The Florida Attorney General’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Florida law prohibits individuals who are “domicile” in China and are not U.S. citizens or green card holders from purchasing buildings or land in the state. Florida also prohibits permanent residents of China and non-U.S. citizens or green card holders from purchasing homes or land in the state.

Additionally, Florida prohibits most citizens of Cuba, Iran, Russia, Syria, North Korea, and Venezuela from owning property near military facilities and infrastructure such as power plants and airports. The law has a small exception, allowing non-tourist visa holders from those countries to own only one property located at least 5 miles from critical infrastructure.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/tieu-bang-my-duy-tri-lenh-cam-nguoi-trung-quoc-mua-nha-dat-185230818081621717.htm