Ron DeSantis has taken a bold stand against hostile foreign nations meddling in Florida’s affairs.
The America First Governor just signed legislation targeting enemy regimes.
And Ron DeSantis just dropped the hammer on Cuba with one new law that has scientists fuming.
Florida cracks down on hostile foreign governments
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation that directly targets foreign adversaries attempting to influence the Sunshine State’s scientific and technological sectors.
The bill, known as CS/CS/SB 768 or “Foreign Countries of Concern,” aims to protect Florida’s public health system from potential espionage and infiltration from hostile regimes.
This new law specifically prohibits Florida’s public health laboratories from using any genetic sequencing software or operational tools created by governments, state-owned enterprises, or companies from nations deemed threats to American interests.
“Countries of concern” under the legislation include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela (under Nicolás Maduro), and Cuba.
The measure passed with overwhelming support from Florida lawmakers, receiving unanimous approval in both chambers – 37-0 in the Senate and 114-0 in the Florida House of Representatives.
According to the official text, the law will take effect on July 1, 2025.
DeSantis stands firm against hostile regimes
The new law also impacts state-licensed healthcare facilities and providers across Florida.
These institutions must now ensure that no majority investor maintains direct or indirect business relationships with any blacklisted country.
While the legislation does ease some penalties for unintentional non-compliance, the core requirement remains firm – Florida health organizations must sever ties with any blacklisted foreign entity if direct involvement is known.
The law broadens the definition of “indirect interest” while specifying that individuals holding less than a 5% stake in a licensed company are generally exempt from liability unless they deliberately violate state-imposed minimum standards.
With this legislation, Governor DeSantis reaffirms his hardline stance against regimes he views as authoritarian threats to American interests and security.
Cuban technology faces exclusion from Florida’s public health system
In practical terms, this law could effectively exclude any genetic technology from Cuba from Florida’s public health system, affecting critical areas such as biomedical research and treatment development.
The measure also restricts the operational scope of companies with even minimal ties to the Cuban scientific or technological sectors.
This could have significant implications for Cuban or Cuban-American researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking collaboration with Florida institutions.
Though many of Cuba’s scientific advancements aren’t directly present in the U.S. market, the law reinforces technological isolation between Florida and the communist island nation just 90 miles south.
The timing is especially notable given ongoing tensions between the United States and the Cuban regime.
By including Cuba on the list of “countries of concern,” DeSantis has signaled his commitment to maintaining a tough stance against the communist government.
Florida continues its leadership on national security issues
This legislation represents just the latest move by Florida to protect its residents from foreign adversaries.
The state has become a leader in pushing back against hostile governments seeking to gain influence within America’s borders.
DeSantis has previously championed legislation restricting land purchases by Chinese nationals and companies connected to the Chinese Communist Party, citing national security concerns.
Florida’s unique position as home to one of the largest Cuban-American populations in the United States adds another layer of significance to this law. Many Cuban Americans fled the communist regime and strongly support measures limiting the Cuban government’s influence.
The new restrictions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving health organizations time to ensure compliance with the stricter regulations.
Florida’s decisive action could potentially inspire similar legislation in other states concerned about foreign interference in sensitive sectors like healthcare and biotechnology.
