1. Which countries and which people
The law names China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, the Maduro regime in Venezuela and Syria. It applies to “foreign principals”: those governments and their officials or party members; people domiciled in those countries who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents; companies organized or headquartered there; and entities in which such persons hold a controlling interest.
Domicile is the key test. A citizen of one of these countries who is permanently domiciled elsewhere — for example in the EU or the UAE — is analyzed differently from someone domiciled in the country itself.
2. What is restricted
Foreign principals may not acquire agricultural land in Florida, and may not acquire real property on or within 10 miles of a military installation or a critical infrastructure facility (such as seaports, power plants, refineries and water treatment facilities). Because of ports and military sites, a large share of coastal South Florida can fall inside these radiuses.
Rules for people and entities connected to China are stricter: they are generally barred from acquiring any Florida real property, subject to the residential exception below.
3. The residential exception
A natural person who holds a current, verifiable US visa that is not a tourist visa, or who has been granted asylum, may buy one residential property of up to 2 acres, provided it is not within 5 miles of a military installation. This exception is narrow — it covers one home, not an investment portfolio.
4. What happens at closing
Buyers sign an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, confirming they are not a foreign principal barred from the purchase. Title companies and closing attorneys rely on these affidavits, so misstatements carry real legal risk. Owners who held affected property before July 1, 2023 had to register it with the state by statutory deadlines.
5. Penalties and litigation
Violations can lead to forfeiture of the property to the state, civil penalties (including daily fines for failing to register) and criminal charges — misdemeanors for many violations and a felony for prohibited purchases by persons connected to China.
The law has been challenged in federal court, and parts of it may be affected by ongoing litigation. Always confirm the current status with a Florida real estate attorney before signing a contract.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
