Today, Governor DeSantis signed an executive order prohibiting any state government agency from procuring technology from companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in foreign countries of concern – including China, Iran, Russia, Cuba, and other regimes that are hostile to American interests. “This will prevent the exposure of Floridians’ personal information in technology systems in Florida to foreign entities and bad actors,” the governor said.
The governor also proposed new legislation that “prohibits government entities from contracting with companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in foreign countries of concern if the contract would provide access to Floridian’s personal information,” DeSantis said at a press conference in Miami.
“We want all of your information secured,” he said, including social security numbers, banking information, and medical records. “That should not be in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.
PROHIBITS LAND PURCHASES
Additionally, the Governor announced that the proposed legislation would also prohibit the purchase of Florida land, including land near military bases, by Communist China and other countries of concern.
The Chinese Communist Party or front groups have been purchasing farmland and land near military bases and other strategic locations around Florida. People often sell the land to “private companies” that have ties to the CCP or are controlled by the Chinese government, “who pay more for the land to buy it quickly,” according to DeSantis.
Florida’s newly elected legislature will be seated at midnight, November 9, 2022, the day after the midterm elections. Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, told The Florida Standard that state congressional leaders are prepared to call a special session later this year to address critical issues affecting Floridians.