When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushed through an anti-China crackdown in his state earlier this year, he won praise from populist Republicans across the country.
But to Ken Griffin, the state’s wealthiest man, the effort represented an ideological affront. In its most extreme version, the proposed legislation would have essentially prohibited citizens of seven nations, including China and Venezuela, from buying property anywhere in South Florida, even if they had work permits. Those limitations also could have posed complications for Griffin’s plan to relocate hundreds of employees to Miami where he’s planning to build a headquarters costing at least $1 billion.
So the Citadel founder assembled a network of influence to rework the proposed law, according to people familiar with the matter. The scope of the restrictions was then narrowed geographically for those with work permits.
The episode demonstrates the power Griffin has amassed in Florida roughly a year after moving from Chicago, becoming a force in local politics, philanthropy and real estate. It also shows the tensions between him and DeSantis as the governor pursues an increasingly right-wing and populist agenda as he runs for the Republican presidential nomination.
“Florida is defined by its promise of freedom and economic opportunity, and our State government must continue to reflect and uphold these ideals.” Griffin, 54, said in an emailed statement. “We support the freedom of individuals who are lawfully working in the US to purchase homes and we will continue to advocate for those rights.”
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