Bills aim to ban China from buying land in US

'Evil land laws' have caused significant concern over civil rights in community

The Florida Senate has unanimously passed a bill that bans seven countries, including China, from purchasing farmland in the state, a move that has caused great concern in the Chinese American community.

If signed by the governor, the bill, SB 264, specifically will prohibit the Chinese government, entities, companies and citizens domiciled in China from buying farmland or other real property in Florida. It also will require buyers to provide an affidavit that they are not an agent of a Chinese entity or a citizen living in China at the time of purchase.

Violators, including sellers, agents and buyers, will be subject to felony charges and punishment. Property bought under violation will be forfeited by the state.