POLITICS

DeSantis signs law expanding Florida terrorist designation powers

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Tallahassee — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed HB 1471, granting state officials authority to designate organizations as domestic or foreign terrorist groups, dissolve nonprofits, freeze state funding, and require expulsions of students who promote designated organizations. The legislation immediately empowers the FDLE director, governor and cabinet to act, bars public funding and some campus programs, and follows an earlier, blocked executive order against CAIR; rights groups called the measure unconstitutional and legal challenges are expected this week.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Late 2025: Governor DeSantis issued an executive order labeling CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.
CAIR sued the executive order and a judge blocked that designation.
Early 2026 legislative session: Florida considered and passed House Bill 1471.
Monday, 6th–7th April 2026: DeSantis signed HB 1471 in Tampa.
Immediately after signing: statute enables designations, dissolutions, funding freezes, expulsions, and anticipates legal challenges.

Why This Matters to You

This law could affect your rights and safety. If you're involved with a nonprofit or a student group, pay attention. You could face funding freezes or expulsion if your organization is designated as a terrorist group. Check your affiliations and stay informed.

The Bottom Line

Florida's new law expands the state's power to label groups as terrorists. It's controversial and likely to face legal challenges. If you're concerned about civil liberties, keep an eye on this. Worth forwarding if you know someone in Florida.