Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently enacted the legislation known as CS/CS/SB 768, titled Foreign Countries of Concern. This law aims to curb the influence of certain nations deemed hostile, including Cuba, within the state's scientific and technological sectors. Championed by Republican lawmakers and now officially in effect, the statute prohibits Florida's public health labs from using any genetic sequencing software or operational tools created by governments or state-owned enterprises of these adversarial countries.
The list of "countries of concern" comprises China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela (under Nicolás Maduro), and Cuba, as per the document available on the Florida Senate's official site. The law also affects state-licensed health facilities and service providers, mandating that no majority investor should have direct or indirect business ties with any of these nations.
While some penalties related to civil or criminal liability for unintentional non-compliance are eased, the requirement to sever ties with any blacklisted foreign entity remains firm if direct involvement is known. The legislation broadens the definition of "indirect interest," specifying that individuals holding less than a 5% stake in a licensed company are generally exempt from liability unless they deliberately violate state-imposed minimum standards.
Implications for Cuban Technology and Science
Practically speaking, this law could effectively exclude any genetic technology from Cuba from Florida's public health system, affecting critical areas such as biomedical research and treatment development. It also limits the operational scope of companies with even minimal ties to the Cuban scientific or technological sectors.
Why is this significant for Cubans? This legislation is part of a broader policy restricting entities associated with countries under U.S. sanctions or surveillance, which includes Cuba. The law passed unanimously in both chambers—37-0 in the Senate and 114-0 in the Florida House of Representatives—reflecting a strong political consensus on tightening controls against nations considered strategic threats. According to the official text, the measure will take effect on July 1, 2025.
Although much of Cuba's scientific advancements are not directly present in the U.S. market, the law reinforces technological isolation and could have ripple effects on Cuban or Cuban-American researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking collaboration with Florida institutions.
With this legislation, DeSantis reaffirms his hardline stance against regimes he views as authoritarian, enhancing oversight on international investments and commercial relationships in a state with one of the largest Cuban-origin populations in the United States.
The Impact of Florida's New Law on Cuban Science and Technology
What is the purpose of the new law signed by Ron DeSantis?
The law aims to limit the influence of certain hostile countries, including Cuba, within Florida's scientific and technological sectors by prohibiting the use of genetic sequencing software and tools from these nations.
Which countries are considered "countries of concern" under this law?
The list includes China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Cuba.
How does the law affect companies with ties to Cuba?
The law restricts companies with any ties to the Cuban scientific or technological sectors from operating within Florida's public health system, potentially excluding such entities from critical areas like biomedical research.