Florida criminalizes companies doing business with Cuba and 'hostile' nations

Florida has implemented a new law that criminalizes companies based in the state engaging in business with Cuba and other nations considered hostile by the state government. The Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act (FIRE) seeks to curb the influence of foreign governments and designated terrorist organizations within Florida, imposing new penalties on companies operating in Cuba and officials with ties to specified countries.

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This legislation combats hostile foreign influence in Florida by establishing new restrictions on agreements and partnerships involving countries of concern, such as Iran and Cuba, as well as penalties for violations.

Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the legislation "strengthens Florida's defenses against foreign adversaries," particularly those attempting to infiltrate the state's government, critical infrastructure, public institutions, and economy. The law expands and creates criminal penalties for businesses that violate federal law by trading with Cuba. Local governments can revoke business licenses for companies working on the island. It also introduces criminal sanctions for knowingly submitting false statements related to illegal commercial activities involving Cuba.

This move signifies increasing pressure on Cuba from Florida. In June, Miami-Dade County revoked the local tax license of Vanguard Energy, which planned to export fuel to Cuba. Cities like Miami and Hialeah are investigating numerous businesses suspected of having ties to the Cuban government. Consequently, EnviosCuba.com, a major platform for Cubans in the U.S. to send provisions to the island, suspended its operations two weeks prior to this report.

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expands and creates a criminal sanction to revoke the business tax receipt of a person or entity that does business with Cuba in violation of federal law

The law targets countries such as Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, and Syria, in addition to Cuba. It prohibits public officials, public employees, and others from engaging in certain activities with these nations. The legislation's enforcement comes as Cuba faces a U.S. oil blockade since January, and further U.S. sanctions in May targeting individuals and entities supporting the Cuban government or operating in key sectors like energy, defense, finance, and mining.

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creates criminal sanctions for knowingly submitting false statements related to illegal commercial activities involving Cuba