DeSantis Signs Florida Law Restricting Cuban-Linked Businesses

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act on Friday while calling for an end to Cuba's communist government. " He added that such a change would benefit both the United States and Florida. "If you look at the state of Cuba today and in 2026, it is time for the Cuban communist dictatorship to be put out to pasture once and for all," DeSantis said.

The law grants Florida officials the power to revoke business tax receipts for companies operating in Cuba in violation of federal law. It also makes knowingly submitting a false declaration related to unlawful activity involving Cuba a third-degree felony in the state.

"You can't do business with criminals," DeSantis said of the measure.

DeSantis noted that under President Trump's leadership the United States has taken a renewed posture toward securing its interests in the region. He said this approach has reinvigorated the Monroe Doctrine, the longstanding U.S. "Certainly, President Trump, and how he's viewed the importance of our own hemisphere, [has] kind of reinvigorated the Monroe Doctrine," DeSantis said.

Cuba has faced rolling blackouts and unrest linked to energy shortages after losing support from Venezuela. The island nation has depended on Venezuelan oil to power its energy grid for much of the past 30 years.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment on whether the United States would intervene in Cuba's current situation. The spokesperson reiterated the administration's view that the Cuban regime's days are numbered. "As the President stated, Cuba is a failing nation that has been horribly run for many years and whose rulers have had a major setback with the loss of support from Venezuela.