F
lorida’s housing market has surged in recent years, fueled by pandemic‑era relocations, the absence of state income tax, and the state’s sunny climate. These factors have attracted a global influx of buyers, especially from abroad, making Florida the leading destination for foreign residential real‑estate purchasers—over 20 % of all international buyers choose the Sunshine State. While this foreign capital boosts the economy, it also raises national‑security concerns that warrant closer scrutiny.

    Foreign investors from countries such as Argentina, Russia, and Venezuela have intensified the market’s growth, but the increasing political volatility in those regions underscores the need for a dedicated oversight mechanism. A statewide foreign‑investment review board would enhance Florida’s due‑diligence process, mirroring the federal Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) that monitors defense and technology sectors. Unlike CFIUS, real‑estate surveillance at the federal level is limited, leaving Florida’s market largely unmonitored from an offshore‑buyer perspective.

    The proposed board would function as a surveillance system, requiring overseas buyers to disclose funding sources, purchase motives, and any affiliations with foreign governments. This transparency would enable the state to flag transactions that could threaten national security, detect large‑scale land acquisitions, and identify potential money‑laundering schemes. By monitoring trends from politically unstable countries, Florida could better protect its residents from price inflation driven by cash‑heavy deals and maintain market stability.

    Critics argue that such a board would deter foreign investment. However, the board’s role would be to enhance transparency rather than impose outright restrictions. It could streamline regulatory hurdles for legitimate investors while safeguarding the state’s interests. In doing so, Florida would preserve its status as a premier real‑estate market while ensuring that all international transactions are secure and compliant.

    In summary, establishing a foreign‑investment review board would strengthen Florida’s economic resilience and national security. By instituting rigorous due‑diligence protocols, the state can continue to attract global capital without compromising the welfare of its residents or the integrity of its market.

    *Rita Shuster, a Miami native, is a senior at Stanford studying political science and communication.*