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Tallahassee, Florida — On July 1, Florida's new legislation took effect expanding the state's authority to designate and regulate "domestic terrorist organizations" and broadening restrictions on entities tied to "foreign countries of concern" and "designated foreign terrorist organizations." The law creates a Chief of Domestic Security who may publish designations in the Florida Administrative Register subject to specified due process and establishes public-records exemptions for related materials. The measures bar public contracts with designated entities, terminate agreements and grants involving foreign countries of concern effective July 1, 2026, and prohibit soliciting or accepting charitable contributions from designated foreign terrorist organizations or agents acting on their behalf. The statute also tightens controls on real property transactions by "foreign principals," requires registration and affidavits for certain prior owners or buyers, and grants the governor authority to suspend restrictions related to Cuba if federal diplomatic status changes. Educational institutions, school funding and student activity receive special attention, and the law may affect business dealings, mergers and acquisitions, public incentives, healthcare licensing and charitable solicitation where international connections exist.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News