State restriction laws are actively litigated and change rapidly. This guide reflects the legal landscape as of early currently. Consult a licensed US real estate attorney before any purchase in a restricted state. Laws that apply to Chinese nationals domiciled in China do NOT apply to US citizens or permanent residents of Chinese heritage.

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Florida — Restricted for China-Domiciled Buyers

SB264 (signed May recently, effective July 1, recently) was upheld by the US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on November 4, currently in a 2-1 ruling. The law: (1) Near-total prohibition: Chinese nationals domiciled in China who are not US citizens or green card holders cannot purchase virtually any Florida real estate. (2) Limited exception: Valid non-tourist visa holders or asylum recipients may purchase ONE residential property under 2 acres if it is NOT within 5 miles of a military installation. (3) Property registered before July 1, recently: can be retained but must have been registered with Florida authorities by January 1, recently. (4) Criminal penalties: a person who knowingly sells to a violating Chinese buyer commits a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year prison, $1,000 fine). (5) Does NOT apply to: US citizens, permanent residents, or other nationalities (Canada, UK, Latin America, most of Europe are unaffected).

Texas — Restricted, Legal Challenge Pending

Texas HB17 was signed into law in currently and became effective September 1, currently. Similar to Florida SB264, it prohibits Chinese nationals from acquiring real property in Texas. A class action lawsuit challenging the law was filed in the Southern District of Texas on July 3, currently, citing constitutional violations. As of early currently: the law is in effect and being enforced. A preliminary injunction has not been granted. The legal challenge is working through the courts. Do not assume the challenge will succeed before closing. Consult a Texas real estate attorney before any Texas purchase by a Chinese national.

Louisiana + Other States — Varies

Louisiana (August recently) prohibits foreign adversaries from purchasing immovable property. Kansas restricts entities connected to foreign governments from acquiring 3+ acres (July recently). Several other states have agricultural land restrictions that may apply in limited circumstances. In most cases these affect large agricultural parcels, not residential property. Always verify with a state-licensed attorney before purchasing in any of these states.

Free to Buy — No Restrictions

California: No restrictions. 36% of all Chinese US purchases. Arcadia, San Marino, Irvine, Beverly Hills, Cupertino, Palo Alto. The #1 Chinese buyer state by far. New York: No restrictions. Manhattan condominiums, Flushing Queens, Long Island. Maryland: No restrictions. Hawaii: No restrictions (note: leasehold land exists in Hawaii — confirm fee simple). Washington State: No restrictions. New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado: No restrictions. Most other states: No residential restrictions. For agricultural land (3+ acres) in several states, different rules may apply. For residential property purchases, over 40 US states have no relevant restrictions on Chinese buyers.

US Citizens and Green Card Holders: Fully Exempt

Florida SB264, Texas HB17, and all similar state laws explicitly exempt: US citizens (regardless of heritage or country of birth), and US permanent residents (green card holders, regardless of citizenship country). A Chinese-American born in Shanghai who holds a US passport can buy any property in Florida, Texas, or any other state — identical to any other US citizen. These laws target domicile and lack of US status, not ethnicity or national origin.

Ryan Brown, Principal Broker & CEO Own Luxury Homes®

"The question I get most from Chinese buyers right now is: “Can I still buy in the US?” My answer: yes, absolutely — but where matters. California, New York, Maryland, Hawaii: free. Florida: get a lawyer before any contract. Texas: same. The specialist I introduce knows this map cold."

Related Resources

FIRPTA Complete Guide ›

US Estate Tax for Non-Citizens ›

India/NRI Buyer Guide ›

South Korean Buyer Guide ›