You will no longer be an American citizen if you voluntarily give up (renounce) your U.S. citizenship.

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:

• Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions)

• Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions)

• Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship

• Commit an act of treason against the United States

Giving up your U.S. citizenship has consequences. You should never make this decision lightly, as it can only be undone under very limited circumstances. Renouncing your U.S. citizenship means that you:

• Give up your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.

• Must become a citizen of another nation, or risk becoming "stateless."

• May need a visa to visit the United States.

Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you intend to live to renounce your U.S. citizenship.

In Florida, as in all other U.S. states, the renunciation of U.S. citizenship is governed by federal law, not state law. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens have the right to renounce their citizenship voluntarily. Specific acts that can lead to the loss of U.S. citizenship include running for public office in a foreign country, serving in the military of a foreign state, applying for foreign citizenship with the intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship, or committing an act of treason against the United States. The process of renunciation must be done voluntarily and with the intent to relinquish citizenship, typically in a formal proceeding at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Renouncing U.S. citizenship has serious consequences, including losing the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen, potentially becoming stateless if no other citizenship is obtained, and requiring a visa to visit the United States. It is an irrevocable action except in very rare circumstances and should be considered with great caution. An attorney specializing in immigration law can provide guidance on the process and implications of renouncing U.S. citizenship.