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lorida’s law barring individuals domiciled in China from buying most Florida land was upheld by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, dismissing a challenge from four plaintiffs who claimed the measure violated equal‑protection rights, the Fair Housing Act and federal preemption. The three‑judge panel found the plaintiffs lacked standing, so the court rejected their request to block key provisions of the law.

    The statute, a centerpiece of Governor Ron DeSantis’s 2023 agenda, limits Chinese‑domiciled buyers to a single residential property of up to two acres, provided it is not within five miles of a military installation and the buyer holds a non‑tourist visa. The law is intended to curb influence from the Chinese government and the Communist Party in Florida.

    Attorney General James Uthmeier celebrated the decision on X, thanking the state’s senior deputy and assistant solicitor generals for securing the victory. The lawsuit, filed in Tallahassee federal court, argued that the restrictions were discriminatory and improperly linked Chinese nationals to the Chinese government. The plaintiffs include three U.S. residents on visas and one asylum applicant.