WRE News: Ken Griffin, Florida’s Wealthiest Man, Wields Influence to Modify Anti-China Property Law

Miami, FL – August 20, 2023 – Florida’s wealthiest man, Ken Griffin, orchestrated a network of influence to modify a proposed anti-China law by Governor Ron Desantis that would restrict property purchases by citizens of seven nations, including China and Venezuela, in South Florida.The proposed legislation posed complications for plans to relocate Citadel employees to Miami for a headquarters project costing over $1 billion, leading to the narrowing of restrictions geographically for those with work permits. So the Citadel founder assembled a network of influence to rework the proposed law, showcasing his significant influence in Florida since moving from Chicago and highlighting tensions with Governor Ron DeSantis, who is pursuing a right-wing and populist agenda in his presidential bid.While DeSantis celebrated the law’s signing as a stance against the “Chinese Communist Party,” the US Department of Justice and groups like the ACLU have criticized its constitutionality. Despite the changes made, the law could still affect companies with Chinese investors and has created unease in Florida’s Chinese community.