12 Republican AGs defend Florida law restricting Chinese land ownership against allegations of racism

Idaho Attorney General Raúl R. Labrador and 11 other Republican AGs are defending a Florida law on Chinese land ownership signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"Florida is one of at least 24 states that restricts foreign ownership of land. And numerous countries also limit foreign ownership of land," the attorney generals wrote. "Florida and these other states and countries are not driven by ‘racial animus’ as the Plaintiffs charge. They are instead fulfilling their most basic state functions by exercising sovereignty over their soil."  Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on Twitter: @danimwallace. 

The legislation, known as SB 264, went into effect on July 1 and applies to "foreign principles" who are "domiciled" in China, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Syria, Russia and North Korea, restricting them from owning or acquiring agricultural land or real property within 10 miles of any "military installation" or "critical infrastructure facility" in Florida. The Republicans argue in the amicus brief that it does not apply to anyone from those countries based on national origin alone.