TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 7017 and HB 1523 — groundbreaking legislation that will protect Florida's higher education institutions and government from foreign influence and combat corporate espionage, keeping Florida's intellectual property safe within the state's boundaries.
"Make no mistake — China is a hostile foreign power, and every Governor has the responsibility to protect their education system, and every other entity within their purview, from the espionage and commercial theft undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party," said Governor DeSantis.
"While China remains the biggest threat, numerous countries are working to infiltrate our state and nation. By signing these bills today, we are taking action to ensure foreign adversaries will not have unfettered access to our schools, government, and companies. I want to thank Speaker Sprowls, President Simpson, Representatives Grall and Beltran, and Senators Diaz and Bradley for their hard work on these bills to protect Florida from these threats."