Archive · 9 Nov 2025
US Court Refuses to Block Florida Law Restricting Foreign Real Estate Ownership
Imagine Florida made a rule that said people from some countries, like China, can't buy houses there.
Some people who were affected by this rule tried to get a judge to stop the rule right away while they argued about it in court.
But a higher court said no, they couldn't stop the rule yet.
The court said the people complaining didn't have a good enough reason to stop it immediately.
So, the rule stays for now, meaning people from China and a few other places still can't buy property in Florida, with some very small exceptions.
Other states, like Texas and Ohio, are also thinking about similar rules.
A federal appeals court denied a request to block Florida's SB 264, a law limiting property ownership by immigrants from China and six other nations.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the plaintiffs challenging the law lacked 'standing' to do so.
The law remains in effect while the case proceeds, prohibiting many immigrants with a 'domicile' in China from owning Florida property.
Exemptions are limited, though Chinese immigrants who live in Florida permanently are not affected by the ban.
Similar legislation restricting foreign ownership of land is being considered or enacted in other US states like Texas and Ohio.
- Who
- The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, plaintiffs challenging the law, immigrants from China and six other nations.
- What
- Denied a preliminary injunction against Florida's SB 264, a law restricting real estate ownership by immigrants from certain countries.
- When
- The decision was recently made, allowing the law to remain in effect during the pending case.
- Where
- Florida, USA.
- Why
- The court determined the plaintiffs did not have 'standing' to challenge the law.
- Law Name
- SB 264
- Targeted Countries
- China, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria
- Court Ruling
- Denied preliminary injunction
- Reason for Denial
- Plaintiffs lacked 'standing'
- Exemptions
- Chinese immigrants with Florida domicile, non-tourist visas/refugees may buy one home (restricted)