Florida’s agriculture commissioner, along with other government officials, has been named as a defendant in a real estate lawsuit. The plaintiffs claim that there are laws on the books in this state that prevent people of certain ethnicities from purchasing real estate. The plaintiffs assert that the law is unconstitutional and are asking the U.S. Court of Appeals of the 11thCircuit to block it from being enforced.
The law has been referred to as Florida’s “alien land law,” which prohibits people from China, Russia, Cuba, North Korea and several other foreign countries from purchasing homes in this state. Many people who support the plaintiffs agree that the real estate law is discriminatory and biased against specific groups of people. Among the group of plaintiffs are four individuals of Chinese heritage, as well as a Florida brokerage that often does business with people from Asia.
The governor is not a defendant in the real estate law dispute
Although Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida alien land law bill into effect, he is not named as a defendant in the case. Several grassroots communities have implored the public to oppose similar laws across the country. More than 30 states have introduced bills containing similar property legislation.
If a Florida resident or real estate investor believes that he or she has been discriminated against when trying to rent or purchase real property, it is a good idea to seek legal counsel. An experienced real estate attorney, especially one who is also well-versed in U.S. immigration laws, can review a case and recommend the best course of action. Such issues are complex, which is why it is helpful to seek guidance before initiating litigation.
