The "Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act" seeks to combat foreign influence in Florida by amending existing statutes to clarify definitions related to foreign entities, such as "designated foreign terrorist organization" and "foreign country of concern." The bill imposes penalties on public officers and employees who accept gifts from these entities and requires the Commission on Ethics to implement new ethics training focused on recognizing foreign influence campaigns. Additionally, it empowers tax collectors to revoke business tax receipts for those violating federal laws regarding business with Cuba and prohibits linkage institutes from engaging with foreign countries of concern. The legislation also allows the Governor to suspend certain laws related to Cuba and terminates existing agreements with foreign countries of concern.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments that define controlling interests in companies and expands the list of foreign countries of concern to include nations like China, Russia, and Iran. It establishes a new section for reclassifying misdemeanors and felonies committed for the benefit of foreign governments or terrorist organizations, with increased penalties for such offenses. The bill also addresses adoption and surrogacy agreements, prohibiting them if any party is a citizen or resident of a foreign country of concern, and mandates specific terms for these agreements. Overall, the act aims to strengthen Florida's legal framework against foreign influence and protect its citizens, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 905 Filed: 112.3142, 288.816, 288.860, 282.802, 316.0078
H 905 c1: 112.3142, 288.816, 288.860, 316.0078, 692.201, 282.802
H 905 c2: 112.3142, 205.0532, 288.816, 288.860, 316.0078, 692.201, 282.802
H 905 c3: 112.3142, 205.0532, 288.816, 288.860, 316.0078, 692.201, 282.802
H 905 e1: 112.3142, 205.0532, 288.816, 288.860, 316.0078, 692.201, 282.802, 63.213, 742.15
H 905 e2: 112.3142, 205.0532, 288.816, 288.860, 316.0078, 496.404, 692.201, 282.802, 63.213, 742.15
H 905 er: 112.3142, 205.0532, 288.816, 288.860, 316.0078, 496.404, 692.201, 282.802, 63.213, 742.15