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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Late 2025: Governor DeSantis issued an executive order labeling CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.
- 2. CAIR sued the executive order and a judge blocked that designation.
- 3. Early 2026 legislative session: Florida considered and passed House Bill 1471.
- 4. Monday, 6th–7th April 2026: DeSantis signed HB 1471 in Tampa.
- 5. Immediately after signing: statute enables designations, dissolutions, funding freezes, expulsions, and anticipates legal challenges.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
