<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII" standalone="no"?>
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: Generator; Value: GoFiler Complete; Version: 6.5b -->
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: VendorURI; Value: https://www.novaworks.com -->
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: Status; Value: 0x00000000 -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#Cover" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Cover" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquitydeficit" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquitydeficit" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentNet" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#Land" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Land" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#NotesAndLoansPayable" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayable" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#ConvertibleNotesPayable" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayable" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#DerivativeLiabilities" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CapitalStock" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CapitalStock" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#Warrants" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Warrants" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#Goodwill" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Goodwill" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#LegalProceedings" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/LegalProceedings" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/IncomeTaxes" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SegmentReporting" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReporting" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SubsequentEvents" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentNetTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNetTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#NotesAndLoansPayableTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#ConvertibleNotesPayableTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#WarrantsTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/WarrantsTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SegmentReportingTables" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails-AllowanceForCreditLosses" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails-AllowanceForCreditLosses" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails-EstimatedUsefulLives" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails-EstimatedUsefulLives" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesDetails" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentNetDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNetDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#LandDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/LandDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails-FairValueHierarchy" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails-FairValueHierarchy" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails-FairRollForward" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails-FairRollForward" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#NotesAndLoansPayableDetails-NotesPayable" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableDetails-NotesPayable" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#NotesAndLoansPayableDetails-LongTermDebtMatures" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableDetails-LongTermDebtMatures" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#NotesAndLoansPayableDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#ConvertibleNotesPayableDetails-ConvertibleNotes" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableDetails-ConvertibleNotes" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#ConvertibleNotesPayableDetails-PrincipalMaturityAmount" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableDetails-PrincipalMaturityAmount" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#ConvertibleNotesPayableDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#DerivativeLiabilitiesDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/DerivativeLiabilitiesDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CapitalStockDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CapitalStockDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#WarrantsDetails-WarrantActivity" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/WarrantsDetails-WarrantActivity" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#WarrantsDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/WarrantsDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails-LeaseMaturities" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails-LeaseMaturities" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails-SupplementalInformation" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails-SupplementalInformation" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#LegalProceedingsDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/LegalProceedingsDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#SegmentReportingDetailsNarrative" roleURI="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReportingDetailsNarrative" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#PvpExecutiveCategoriesOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/PvpExecutiveCategoriesOnly" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#PvpAdjustmentsOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/PvpAdjustmentsOnly" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#IndividualsOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/IndividualsOnly" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#AwardTypeOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/AwardTypeOnly" />
    <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#TradingArrangmentsOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/TradingArrangementsOnly" />
    <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
    <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
    <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
    <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
    <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#notAll" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/notAll" />
    <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Cover" xlink:title="00000001 - Document - Cover" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:title="00000002 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RedeemableSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesF1PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesF1PreferredStockMember_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesF1PreferredStockMember_60" xlink:type="arc" order="61" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesLPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesLPreferredStockMember_80" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesLPreferredStockMember_80" xlink:type="arc" order="81" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_100" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_100" xlink:type="arc" order="101" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_120" xlink:type="arc" order="121" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAssetsAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAssetsAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAssetsCurrentAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAssetsCurrentAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCash_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCash_150" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAccountsReceivableNetCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAccountsReceivableNetCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAssetsCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAssetsCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_150" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInventoryRealEstate_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInventoryRealEstate_150" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapGoodwill_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapGoodwill_150" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_150" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DueFromRelatedPartyNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDueFromRelatedPartyNoncurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDueFromRelatedPartyNoncurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOtherAssets_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOtherAssets_150" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAssets_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAssets_150" xlink:type="arc" order="12" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="13" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="14" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="15" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AccruedExpensesRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAccruedExpensesRelatedParties_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAccruedExpensesRelatedParties_150" xlink:type="arc" order="16" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterestPayableCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterestPayableCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="17" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="18" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNotesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOtherNotesPayableCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOtherNotesPayableCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="19" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLinesOfCreditCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLinesOfCreditCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="22" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="23" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="24" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOtherLiabilitiesAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOtherLiabilitiesAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="25" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="26" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOtherLongTermNotesPayable_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOtherLongTermNotesPayable_150" xlink:type="arc" order="27" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNotesPayableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNotesPayableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="28" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLiabilities_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLiabilities_150" xlink:type="arc" order="29" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_MezzanineEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_CDIFMezzanineEquityAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFMezzanineEquityAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredCarryingAmount_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredCarryingAmount_150" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital_150" xlink:type="arc" order="32" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockholdersEquityAbstract_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockholdersEquityAbstract_150" xlink:type="arc" order="33" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockValue_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockValue_150" xlink:type="arc" order="34" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockValue_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockValue_150" xlink:type="arc" order="35" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAdditionalPaidInCapital_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAdditionalPaidInCapital_150" xlink:type="arc" order="36" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDeferredCompensationEquity_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDeferredCompensationEquity_150" xlink:type="arc" order="37" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_150" xlink:type="arc" order="38" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockholdersEquity_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockholdersEquity_150" xlink:type="arc" order="39" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_150" xlink:type="arc" order="40" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:title="00000003 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RedeemableSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesF1PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesF1PreferredStockMember_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesF1PreferredStockMember_60" xlink:type="arc" order="61" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesLPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesLPreferredStockMember_80" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesLPreferredStockMember_80" xlink:type="arc" order="81" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_100" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_100" xlink:type="arc" order="101" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_120" xlink:type="arc" order="121" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountCurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountCurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_150" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_150" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare_150" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquitySharesIssued_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquitySharesIssued_150" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_150" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesAuthorized_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesAuthorized_150" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_150" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesIssued_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesIssued_150" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesOutstanding_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesOutstanding_150" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesAuthorized_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesAuthorized_150" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_150" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesIssued_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesIssued_150" xlink:type="arc" order="12" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesOutstanding_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesOutstanding_150" xlink:type="arc" order="13" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:title="00000004 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquitydeficit" xlink:title="00000005 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS&apos; EQUITY/(DEFICIT) (UNAUDITED)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredStockSeriesANYMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesANYMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesANYMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredStockSeriesF1AndLMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesF1AndLMember_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesF1AndLMember_10" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_30" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_UnearnedStockbasedCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFUnearnedStockbasedCompensationMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFUnearnedStockbasedCompensationMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRetainedEarningsMember_50" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRetainedEarningsMember_50" xlink:type="arc" order="51" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredStockSeriesF1LMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesF1LMember_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesF1LMember_70" xlink:type="arc" order="71" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredStockSeriesAIYMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesAIYMember_80" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesAIYMember_80" xlink:type="arc" order="81" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredStockSeriesBEF1AndLMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesBEF1AndLMember_90" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesBEF1AndLMember_90" xlink:type="arc" order="91" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredStockSeriesCMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesCMember_100" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapEquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredStockSeriesCMember_100" xlink:type="arc" order="101" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockholdersEquity_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockholdersEquity_120" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSharesOutstanding_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSharesOutstanding_120" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesBPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesBPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesBPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesBPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesBPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesBPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesCPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesCPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesCPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesCPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesCPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesCPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesEPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesEPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesEPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesEPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesEPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesEPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesIPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesIPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesIPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfSeriesIPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesIPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfSeriesIPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuanceOfInSettlementOfAccruedInterest" xlink:label="loc_CDIFStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuanceOfInSettlementOfAccruedInterest_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuanceOfInSettlementOfAccruedInterest_120" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuanceOfInSettlementOfAccruedInterest" xlink:label="loc_CDIFStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuanceOfInSettlementOfAccruedInterest_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuanceOfInSettlementOfAccruedInterest_120" xlink:type="arc" order="12" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfCommonStockRelatedToBridgeLoans" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfCommonStockRelatedToBridgeLoans_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfCommonStockRelatedToBridgeLoans_120" xlink:type="arc" order="13" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfCommonStockRelatedToBridgeLoansShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfCommonStockRelatedToBridgeLoansShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfCommonStockRelatedToBridgeLoansShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="14" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_120" xlink:type="arc" order="15" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices_120" xlink:type="arc" order="16" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommonStockCancelledForLegalSettlement" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommonStockCancelledForLegalSettlement_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommonStockCancelledForLegalSettlement_120" xlink:type="arc" order="17" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommonStockCancelledForLegalSettlementShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommonStockCancelledForLegalSettlementShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommonStockCancelledForLegalSettlementShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="18" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CancellationOfCommonStockForAwardForfeiture" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCancellationOfCommonStockForAwardForfeiture_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCancellationOfCommonStockForAwardForfeiture_120" xlink:type="arc" order="19" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CancellationOfCommonStockForAwardForfeitureShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCancellationOfCommonStockForAwardForfeitureShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCancellationOfCommonStockForAwardForfeitureShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfDeferredCompensationToCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfDeferredCompensationToCommonStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfDeferredCompensationToCommonStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConversionOfDeferredCompensationToCommonStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConversionOfDeferredCompensationToCommonStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConversionOfDeferredCompensationToCommonStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="22" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ReclassificationOfSeriesNPreferredStockFromMezzanineEquityToPermanentEquity" xlink:label="loc_CDIFReclassificationOfSeriesNPreferredStockFromMezzanineEquityToPermanentEquity_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFReclassificationOfSeriesNPreferredStockFromMezzanineEquityToPermanentEquity_120" xlink:type="arc" order="23" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ReclassificationOfSeriesNPreferredStockFromMezzanineEquityToPermanentEquityShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFReclassificationOfSeriesNPreferredStockFromMezzanineEquityToPermanentEquityShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFReclassificationOfSeriesNPreferredStockFromMezzanineEquityToPermanentEquityShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="24" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfSeriesNPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesNPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesNPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="25" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfSeriesNPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesNPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesNPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="26" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfSeriesYPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesYPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesYPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="27" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfSeriesYPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesYPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfSeriesYPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="28" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfBCAndEPreferredStockInExchangeForSeriesIPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfBCAndEPreferredStockInExchangeForSeriesIPreferredStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfBCAndEPreferredStockInExchangeForSeriesIPreferredStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="29" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfBCAndEPreferredStockInExchangeForSeriesIPreferredStockShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfBCAndEPreferredStockInExchangeForSeriesIPreferredStockShares_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfBCAndEPreferredStockInExchangeForSeriesIPreferredStockShares_120" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_120" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDividendsPreferredStockStock_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDividendsPreferredStockStock_120" xlink:type="arc" order="32" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapNetIncomeLoss_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapNetIncomeLoss_120" xlink:type="arc" order="33" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:title="00000006 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:title="999012 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses" xlink:title="999013 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="999014 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Land" xlink:title="999015 - Disclosure - LAND" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:title="999016 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:title="999017 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayable" xlink:title="999018 - Disclosure - NOTES AND LOANS PAYABLE" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayable" xlink:title="999019 - Disclosure - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:title="999020 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CapitalStock" xlink:title="999021 - Disclosure - CAPITAL STOCK" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Warrants" xlink:title="999022 - Disclosure - WARRANTS" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/Goodwill" xlink:title="999023 - Disclosure - GOODWILL" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="999024 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/LegalProceedings" xlink:title="999025 - Disclosure - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:title="999026 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:title="999027 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:title="999028 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:title="999029 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:title="999030 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables" xlink:title="999031 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNetTables" xlink:title="999032 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:title="999033 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommitmentSharesDerivativeLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesDerivativeLiabilityMember_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesDerivativeLiabilityMember_10" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_30" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValueTableTextBlock_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValueTableTextBlock_30" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableTables" xlink:title="999034 - Disclosure - NOTES AND LOANS PAYABLE (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableTables" xlink:title="999035 - Disclosure - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/WarrantsTables" xlink:title="999036 - Disclosure - WARRANTS (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:title="999037 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:title="999038 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails-AllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:title="999039 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details - Allowance for credit losses)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails-EstimatedUsefulLives" xlink:title="999040 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details - Estimated useful lives)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEquipmentMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEquipmentMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_MedicalEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFMedicalEquipmentMember_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFMedicalEquipmentMember_10" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLeaseholdImprovementsMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLeaseholdImprovementsMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives1" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives1_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives1_40" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999041 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details Narrative)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesDetails" xlink:title="999042 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails" xlink:title="999043 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentNetDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999044 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details Narrative)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/LandDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999045 - Disclosure - LAND (Details Narrative)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999046 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AccruedCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAccruedCompensationMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAccruedCompensationMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CompensationResolutionAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCompensationResolutionAgreementMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCompensationResolutionAgreementMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDeferredCompensationMember_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDeferredCompensationMember_30" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AccruedBonusesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAccruedBonusesMember_50" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAccruedBonusesMember_50" xlink:type="arc" order="51" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DanielThompsonMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDanielThompsonMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDanielThompsonMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AlexCunninghamMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAlexCunninghamMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAlexCunninghamMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="42" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_MatthewShaferMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFMatthewShaferMember_90" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFMatthewShaferMember_90" xlink:type="arc" order="92" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreviousOwnersOfEdgeViewMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreviousOwnersOfEdgeViewMember_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreviousOwnersOfEdgeViewMember_120" xlink:type="arc" order="121" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_BonusesEarned2025Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFBonusesEarned2025Member_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFBonusesEarned2025Member_60" xlink:type="arc" order="62" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_BonusesEarned2024Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFBonusesEarned2024Member_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFBonusesEarned2024Member_70" xlink:type="arc" order="72" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongTermNotesPayable_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongTermNotesPayable_150" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_150" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentMaturityDate_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentMaturityDate_150" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_150" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_150" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapNotesAndLoansPayable_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapNotesAndLoansPayable_150" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails-FairValueHierarchy" xlink:title="999047 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details - Fair value hierarchy)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueInputsLevel1Member_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueInputsLevel1Member_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueInputsLevel2Member_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueInputsLevel2Member_10" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueInputsLevel3Member_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueInputsLevel3Member_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConvertibleNotesMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConvertibleNotesMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommitmentSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="42" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeLiabilities_90" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeLiabilities_90" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails-FairRollForward" xlink:title="999048 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details - Fair roll forward)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConvertibleNotesMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConvertibleNotesMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommitmentSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesMember_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesMember_30" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_70" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_70" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_70" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapFairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapFairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_70" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableDetails-NotesPayable" xlink:title="999049 - Disclosure - NOTES AND LOANS PAYABLE (Details - Notes payable)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableDetails-LongTermDebtMatures" xlink:title="999050 - Disclosure - NOTES AND LOANS PAYABLE (Details - Long term debt matures)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/NotesAndLoansPayableDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999051 - Disclosure - NOTES AND LOANS PAYABLE (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_June2024PromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFJune2024PromissoryNoteMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFJune2024PromissoryNoteMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_March2009NotePayableMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFMarch2009NotePayableMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFMarch2009NotePayableMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RelatedPartyNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRelatedPartyNotesPayableMember_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRelatedPartyNotesPayableMember_70" xlink:type="arc" order="71" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_June2020SBALoanMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFJune2020SBALoanMember_90" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFJune2020SBALoanMember_90" xlink:type="arc" order="91" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DMLLineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDMLLineOfCreditMember_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDMLLineOfCreditMember_120" xlink:type="arc" order="121" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapNotesAndLoansPayable_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapNotesAndLoansPayable_150" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRepaymentsOfNotesPayable_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRepaymentsOfNotesPayable_150" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_150" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_NotesPayableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNotesPayableRelatedParties_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNotesPayableRelatedParties_150" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_150" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_150" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLineOfCredit_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLineOfCredit_150" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_150" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableDetails-ConvertibleNotes" xlink:title="999052 - Disclosure - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE (Details - Convertible notes)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableDetails-PrincipalMaturityAmount" xlink:title="999053 - Disclosure - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE (Details - Principal maturity amount)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_20" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_20" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongTermDebt_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongTermDebt_20" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/ConvertibleNotesPayableDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999054 - Disclosure - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableMember_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableMember_60" xlink:type="arc" order="61" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConvertiblePromNote2017Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConvertiblePromNote2017Member_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConvertiblePromNote2017Member_70" xlink:type="arc" order="71" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_Dec2025AndJan2026LoanAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDec2025AndJan2026LoanAgreementsMember_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDec2025AndJan2026LoanAgreementsMember_120" xlink:type="arc" order="121" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_March2026SPAMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFMarch2026SPAMember_220" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFMarch2026SPAMember_220" xlink:type="arc" order="221" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_March2026AdditionalSPAMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFMarch2026AdditionalSPAMember_310" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFMarch2026AdditionalSPAMember_310" xlink:type="arc" order="311" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_April2026SPAMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFApril2026SPAMember_370" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapLongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFApril2026SPAMember_370" xlink:type="arc" order="371" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_December2025LoanAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDecember2025LoanAgreementsMember_80" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDecember2025LoanAgreementsMember_80" xlink:type="arc" order="81" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_Note1Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNote1Member_260" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNote1Member_260" xlink:type="arc" order="262" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_Note2Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNote2Member_270" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNote2Member_270" xlink:type="arc" order="272" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_Tranche1Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFTranche1Member_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFTranche1Member_120" xlink:type="arc" order="122" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_Tranche2Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFTranche2Member_130" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFTranche2Member_130" xlink:type="arc" order="132" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAwardDateAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAwardDateAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAwardDateDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardDateAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAwardDateDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAwardDateDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardDateAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAwardDateDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuedDecember2025Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuedDecember2025Member_150" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardDateDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuedDecember2025Member_150" xlink:type="arc" order="152" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuedJanuary2026Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuedJanuary2026Member_160" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardDateDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuedJanuary2026Member_160" xlink:type="arc" order="162" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_LegalFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFLegalFeesMember_230" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFLegalFeesMember_230" xlink:type="arc" order="232" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_BrokerFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFBrokerFeesMember_240" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFBrokerFeesMember_240" xlink:type="arc" order="242" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DueDiligenceCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDueDiligenceCostsMember_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDueDiligenceCostsMember_330" xlink:type="arc" order="332" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_BrokersFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFBrokersFeesMember_340" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFBrokersFeesMember_340" xlink:type="arc" order="342" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableCurrent_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConvertibleNotesPayableCurrent_440" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_440" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_440" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_440" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConvertibleDebt_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConvertibleDebt_440" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_440" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_440" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_440" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_StockIssuedForDebtShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFStockIssuedForDebtShares_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFStockIssuedForDebtShares_440" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_440" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DebtConversionConvertedInterestAmount1" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDebtConversionConvertedInterestAmount1_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDebtConversionConvertedInterestAmount1_440" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_440" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_440" xlink:type="arc" order="12" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_GrossProceedsFromConvertibleDebt" xlink:label="loc_CDIFGrossProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFGrossProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_440" xlink:type="arc" order="13" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeLossOnDerivative_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeLossOnDerivative_440" xlink:type="arc" order="14" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_440" xlink:type="arc" order="15" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentMaturityDate_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentMaturityDate_440" xlink:type="arc" order="16" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterestExpenseDebt_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterestExpenseDebt_440" xlink:type="arc" order="17" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/DerivativeLiabilitiesDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999055 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConvertibleNotesMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConvertibleNotesMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommitmentSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesMember_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommitmentSharesMember_60" xlink:type="arc" order="61" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputSharePriceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputSharePriceMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputSharePriceMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputExpectedTermMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputExpectedTermMember_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputExpectedTermMember_10" xlink:type="arc" order="12" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputPriceVolatilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputPriceVolatilityMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputPriceVolatilityMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="22" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputRiskFreeInterestRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputRiskFreeInterestRateMember_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputRiskFreeInterestRateMember_30" xlink:type="arc" order="32" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapMeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="42" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommonStockPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommonStockPurchaseAgreementMember_50" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommonStockPurchaseAgreementMember_50" xlink:type="arc" order="51" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesBasisAndUseOfDerivativesBasisDeterminationOfFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativesBasisAndUseOfDerivativesBasisDeterminationOfFairValue_140" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativesBasisAndUseOfDerivativesBasisDeterminationOfFairValue_140" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOtherCommitment_140" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOtherCommitment_140" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_140" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_140" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapIncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities_140" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapIncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities_140" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CapitalStockDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999056 - Disclosure - CAPITAL STOCK (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockMember_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockMember_10" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSeriesAPreferredStockMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSeriesAPreferredStockMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSeriesBPreferredStockMember_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSeriesBPreferredStockMember_30" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSeriesCPreferredStockMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSeriesCPreferredStockMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSeriesEPreferredStockMember_50" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSeriesEPreferredStockMember_50" xlink:type="arc" order="51" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesF1PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesF1PreferredStockMember_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesF1PreferredStockMember_60" xlink:type="arc" order="61" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesIPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesIPreferredStockMember_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesIPreferredStockMember_70" xlink:type="arc" order="71" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesLPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesLPreferredStockMember_80" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesLPreferredStockMember_80" xlink:type="arc" order="81" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_90" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_90" xlink:type="arc" order="91" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_100" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesXSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_100" xlink:type="arc" order="101" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSeriesYSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_110" xlink:type="arc" order="111" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_120" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRedeemableSeriesNSeniorConvertiblePreferredStockMember_120" xlink:type="arc" order="121" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember_420" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember_420" xlink:type="arc" order="421" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommonStocksMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommonStocksMember_140" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommonStocksMember_140" xlink:type="arc" order="142" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember_340" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember_340" xlink:type="arc" order="341" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AnnualRetainerGrantsForFiscalYear2024Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAnnualRetainerGrantsForFiscalYear2024Member_550" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAnnualRetainerGrantsForFiscalYear2024Member_550" xlink:type="arc" order="553" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_NonVestedCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNonVestedCommonStockMember_750" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNonVestedCommonStockMember_750" xlink:type="arc" order="751" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AnnualDirectorsShareGrantAwardMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAnnualDirectorsShareGrantAwardMember_810" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAnnualDirectorsShareGrantAwardMember_810" xlink:type="arc" order="811" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_StockOptionsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFStockOptionsMember_840" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFStockOptionsMember_840" xlink:type="arc" order="841" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_PreferredSeriesExchangedForSeriesIStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFPreferredSeriesExchangedForSeriesIStockMember_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFPreferredSeriesExchangedForSeriesIStockMember_330" xlink:type="arc" order="332" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_January2026FinancingTransactionMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFJanuary2026FinancingTransactionMember_420" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFJanuary2026FinancingTransactionMember_420" xlink:type="arc" order="422" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SettlementOfBonusPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSettlementOfBonusPayableMember_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSettlementOfBonusPayableMember_440" xlink:type="arc" order="442" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_FinancingTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFFinancingTransactionsMember_490" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFFinancingTransactionsMember_490" xlink:type="arc" order="492" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ForfeitureOfUnderlyingAwardMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFForfeitureOfUnderlyingAwardMember_500" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFForfeitureOfUnderlyingAwardMember_500" xlink:type="arc" order="502" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConvertibleNoteAccruedInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConvertibleNoteAccruedInterestMember_580" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConvertibleNoteAccruedInterestMember_580" xlink:type="arc" order="581" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PositiveOutcomeOfLitigationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPositiveOutcomeOfLitigationMember_620" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPositiveOutcomeOfLitigationMember_620" xlink:type="arc" order="621" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ConsultingServiceProviderMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFConsultingServiceProviderMember_430" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFConsultingServiceProviderMember_430" xlink:type="arc" order="431" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFEmployeeMember_440" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFEmployeeMember_440" xlink:type="arc" order="441" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_LegalServiceProviderMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFLegalServiceProviderMember_480" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFLegalServiceProviderMember_480" xlink:type="arc" order="481" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_InvestorRelationServiceProviderMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFInvestorRelationServiceProviderMember_540" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFInvestorRelationServiceProviderMember_540" xlink:type="arc" order="541" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ThreeBoardMembersMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFThreeBoardMembersMember_550" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFThreeBoardMembersMember_550" xlink:type="arc" order="552" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CertainEmployeesAndDirectorsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCertainEmployeesAndDirectorsMember_840" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCertainEmployeesAndDirectorsMember_840" xlink:type="arc" order="842" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapVestingAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapVestingAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapVestingAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapVestingAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_January132026Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFJanuary132026Member_450" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFJanuary132026Member_450" xlink:type="arc" order="453" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_January22027Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFJanuary22027Member_460" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFJanuary22027Member_460" xlink:type="arc" order="463" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_January22028Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFJanuary22028Member_470" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapVestingDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFJanuary22028Member_470" xlink:type="arc" order="473" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDeferredCompensationMember_510" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDeferredCompensationMember_510" xlink:type="arc" order="511" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AlexCunninghamMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAlexCunninghamMember_510" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAlexCunninghamMember_510" xlink:type="arc" order="512" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DanielThompsonMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDanielThompsonMember_530" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapRelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDanielThompsonMember_530" xlink:type="arc" order="532" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPlanNameAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPlanNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPlanNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPlanNameAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPlanNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPlanNameAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPlanNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_EquityIncentivePlan2024Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFEquityIncentivePlan2024Member_550" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFEquityIncentivePlan2024Member_550" xlink:type="arc" order="551" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapNatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_IssuanceOfRestrictedStockGrantsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfRestrictedStockGrantsMember_670" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFIssuanceOfRestrictedStockGrantsMember_670" xlink:type="arc" order="671" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ProfessionalFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFProfessionalFeesMember_680" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapInterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFProfessionalFeesMember_680" xlink:type="arc" order="681" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalUnitsAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCapitalUnitsAuthorized_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCapitalUnitsAuthorized_890" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesAuthorized_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockSharesAuthorized_890" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_890" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesAuthorized_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesAuthorized_890" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_890" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredCarryingAmount_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredCarryingAmount_890" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesIssued_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesIssued_890" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesOutstanding_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapPreferredStockSharesOutstanding_890" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CumulativeDividendsPayment" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCumulativeDividendsPayment_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCumulativeDividendsPayment_890" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockDividendsShares_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockDividendsShares_890" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDividends_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDividends_890" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_890" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_890" xlink:type="arc" order="12" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockSharesIssued1_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockSharesIssued1_890" xlink:type="arc" order="13" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_890" xlink:type="arc" order="14" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AccruedDividends" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAccruedDividends_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAccruedDividends_890" xlink:type="arc" order="15" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices_890" xlink:type="arc" order="16" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_890" xlink:type="arc" order="17" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_890" xlink:type="arc" order="18" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_890" xlink:type="arc" order="19" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_890" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_890" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_890" xlink:type="arc" order="22" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ShareBasedCompensationReversal" xlink:label="loc_CDIFShareBasedCompensationReversal_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFShareBasedCompensationReversal_890" xlink:type="arc" order="23" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_890" xlink:type="arc" order="24" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensation_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensation_890" xlink:type="arc" order="25" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_890" xlink:type="arc" order="26" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares_890" xlink:type="arc" order="27" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_890" xlink:type="arc" order="28" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_890" xlink:type="arc" order="29" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_890" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_890" xlink:type="arc" order="31" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_890" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_890" xlink:type="arc" order="32" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/WarrantsDetails-WarrantActivity" xlink:title="999057 - Disclosure - WARRANTS (Details - Warrant activity)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapAwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapWarrantMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapWarrantMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding_70" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_70" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_70" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercised_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercised_70" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_CDIFShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExpirations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExpirations_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExpirations_70" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_70" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1Exercisable" xlink:label="loc_CDIFClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1Exercisable_70" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1Exercisable_70" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/WarrantsDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999058 - Disclosure - WARRANTS (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_srtCounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_InvestorRelationsFirmMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFInvestorRelationsFirmMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFInvestorRelationsFirmMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionTypeAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_FinancingArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFFinancingArrangementMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFFinancingArrangementMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_FinancingArrangement1Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFFinancingArrangement1Member_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFFinancingArrangement1Member_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_WarrantsIssuedShares" xlink:label="loc_CDIFWarrantsIssuedShares_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFWarrantsIssuedShares_110" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_110" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuedPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentIssuedPrincipal_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtInstrumentIssuedPrincipal_110" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_110" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails-LeaseMaturities" xlink:title="999059 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details - Lease maturities)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails-SupplementalInformation" xlink:title="999060 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details - Supplemental information)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999061 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DisclosureLineitem" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" xlink:to="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:label="loc_srtChiefExecutiveOfficerMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="loc_srtChiefExecutiveOfficerMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_FormerChairmanMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFFormerChairmanMember_60" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFFormerChairmanMember_60" xlink:type="arc" order="61" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseExpense_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingLeaseExpense_110" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedSalariesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAccruedSalariesCurrent_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAccruedSalariesCurrent_110" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapInterestExpenseOther_110" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapInterestExpenseOther_110" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/LegalProceedingsDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999062 - Disclosure - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DisclosureLineitem" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" xlink:to="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_FormerChairmanMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFFormerChairmanMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtTitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFFormerChairmanMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapLossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapLossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue_40" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDeferredCompensationEquity_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDeferredCompensationEquity_40" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_40" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_40" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999063 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details Narrative)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DisclosureLineitem" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_DisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_srtStatementGeographicalAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureTable" xlink:to="loc_srtStatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtSegmentGeographicalDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srtStatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtSegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtSegmentGeographicalDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_srtStatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtSegmentGeographicalDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2026/stpr-2026.xsd#stpr_FL" xlink:label="loc_stprFL_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtSegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="loc_stprFL_10" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingLossCarryforwards_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingLossCarryforwards_30" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_30" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_CDIFDisclosureLineitem" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_30" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:title="999064 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapStatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapStatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapStatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_HealthcareSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFHealthcareSegmentMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFHealthcareSegmentMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_RealEstatesMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFRealEstatesMember_20" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFRealEstatesMember_20" xlink:type="arc" order="21" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CorporateAdministrationAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCorporateAdministrationAndOtherMember_40" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCorporateAdministrationAndOtherMember_40" xlink:type="arc" order="41" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_SubsidiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFSubsidiaryMember_140" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFSubsidiaryMember_140" xlink:type="arc" order="141" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CardiffLexingtonMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCardiffLexingtonMember_160" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCardiffLexingtonMember_160" xlink:type="arc" order="161" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCorporateMember_180" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCorporateMember_180" xlink:type="arc" order="181" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srtConsolidationItemsAxis" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="loc_srtConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtConsolidationItemsDomain" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srtConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srtConsolidationItemsDomain_10" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:from="loc_srtConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="loc_srtConsolidationItemsDomain_10" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingSegmentsMember_0" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srtConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingSegmentsMember_0" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapAssetsNet_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapAssetsNet_330" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRevenues_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRevenues_330" xlink:type="arc" order="1" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCostOfRevenue_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCostOfRevenue_330" xlink:type="arc" order="2" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapDepreciationAndAmortization_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapDepreciationAndAmortization_330" xlink:type="arc" order="3" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapGainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapGainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_330" xlink:type="arc" order="4" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_330" xlink:type="arc" order="5" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_TotalHealthcare" xlink:label="loc_CDIFTotalHealthcare_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_CDIFTotalHealthcare_330" xlink:type="arc" order="6" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapRealEstateImprovements_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapRealEstateImprovements_330" xlink:type="arc" order="7" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_330" xlink:type="arc" order="8" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapOperatingExpenses_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapOperatingExpenses_330" xlink:type="arc" order="9" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic_330" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapIncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_330" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapSegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapIncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_330" xlink:type="arc" order="11" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://cardifflexington.com/role/SegmentReportingDetailsNarrative" xlink:title="999065 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING (Details Narrative)" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/PvpExecutiveCategoriesOnly" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/PvpAdjustmentsOnly" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/IndividualsOnly" />
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/AwardTypeOnly">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_CommonStocksMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFCommonStocksMember" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFCommonStocksMember" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapCommonStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AnnualRetainerGrantsForFiscalYear2024Member" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAnnualRetainerGrantsForFiscalYear2024Member" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAnnualRetainerGrantsForFiscalYear2024Member" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_NonVestedCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFNonVestedCommonStockMember" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFNonVestedCommonStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_AnnualDirectorsShareGrantAwardMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFAnnualDirectorsShareGrantAwardMember" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFAnnualDirectorsShareGrantAwardMember" xlink:type="arc" order="40" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cdif-20260630.xsd#CDIF_StockOptionsMember" xlink:label="loc_CDIFStockOptionsMember" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_CDIFStockOptionsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="50" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaapWarrantMember" />
      <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaapShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loc_us-gaapWarrantMember" xlink:type="arc" order="60" />
    </link:definitionLink>
    <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/TradingArrangementsOnly" />
</link:linkbase>
