Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a series of bills aimed at reducing China’s influence in the state.[0] The legislation includes a ban on Chinese citizens from purchasing land in Florida unless they are also a US citizen or permanent resident, with the exception of those with non-tourist visas, who can purchase single parcels of land under two acres, at least five miles from military sites.[1] Citizens of Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria are also prohibited from purchasing farmland within 10 miles of specific sites. Additionally, the bills prohibit the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the state and prevent credit-card companies from using a separate “merchant category code” for sales at gun businesses.[2] The bills are set to go into effect on July 1.[3]
Florida has become the first US state to pass legislation prohibiting the use of CBDCs, which are seen by some as a tool of government surveillance that compromises private transactions while handing too much power to central banks.[4] This viewpoint is prevalent among the libertarian factions of the Republican party.[5] Decentralized cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, which are seen as a safeguard against excessive government control, may inadvertently benefit from Florida’s move against CBDCs.[6]
The legislation has faced criticism, with some arguing that it discriminates against Florida’s Chinese population, while others worry that the language is too broad and could lead to discrimination.[3] However, Governor DeSantis has stated that “Florida is taking action to stand against the United States’ greatest geopolitical threat – the Chinese Communist party”.[7]
The bills also include measures to reduce China’s influence in Florida’s education system, with the creation of a “Teachers’ Bill of Rights” and a process for teachers to challenge certain directives from school districts or school administrators. Additionally, the legislation shortens school board term limits from 12 to eight consecutive years.[8]
The dichotomy between states like Florida and New York, which resist and embrace CBDCs, highlights the complexity of the issue.[5] CBDCs are perceived by some as a natural progression towards the future of currency, but others perceive them as a danger to financial liberty and confidentiality.[5]
0. “Florida bans Chinese citizens from buying land: ‘We don’t want the CCP in the Sunshine State'” FOX 35 Orlando, 8 May. 2023, https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-bans-chinese-citizens-from-buying-land-we-dont-want-the-ccp-in-the-sunshine-state
1. “Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill barring foreigners from property buys” Axios, 8 May. 2023, https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/08/florida-ron-desantis-china-property
2. “‘We’re on offense’: Gov. DeSantis signs digital currency, gun sale tracking bills” WJXT News4JAX , 12 May. 2023, https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2023/05/12/gov-desantis-signs-digital-currency-bill-at-news-conference-in-fort-myers
3. “DeSantis signs bills banning Chinese citizens from buying land in Florida” The Guardian US, 9 May. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/09/ron-desantis-bills-ban-chinese-citizens-buying-land-florida
4. “DeSantis bans CBDC in Florida. Central bank digital currency explained” Pensacola News Journal, 12 May. 2023, https://www.pnj.com/story/news/politics/2023/05/12/desantis-bans-cbdc-in-florida-central-bank-digital-currency-explained/70211613007/
5. “How Florida Pioneers the Fight Against Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)” Crypto Mode, 14 May. 2023, https://cryptomode.com/how-florida-pioneers-the-fight-against-central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdcs
6. “Florida Leads the Way With Anti-CBDC Law” BeInCrypto, 13 May. 2023, https://beincrypto.com/florida-first-us-state-pass-anti-cbdc-legislation
7. “Governor Signs Three Bills Restricting Chinese Influence in Florida” WQCS, 8 May. 2023, https://www.wqcs.org/2023-05-08/governor-signs-bill-restricting-chinese-land-purchases-in-florida-banning-tik-tok-and
8. “Gov. Ron DeSantis signs slate of education bills, including TikTok ban” WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm, 9 May. 2023, https://www.wptv.com/news/education/gov-ron-desantis-signs-slate-of-education-bills-including-tiktok-ban
