Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will begin using a newly enacted law to designate and take action against what officials describe as terrorist organizations operating within Florida.

The legislation, HB 1471, which recently went into effect, establishes a state-level process allowing the identification and designation of both domestic and foreign groups considered threats under Florida law.

According to state officials, more than 90 organizations may be included in the initial list, including groups such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood, Antifa, and several international cartels.However, any designation must still be reviewed and approved by the governor and the Florida Cabinet before becoming official.

The law empowers state agencies to restrict public funding and support for designated organizations and introduces criminal penalties for providing material support to groups classified as terrorist organizations.It also creates mechanisms for enforcement and coordination among state agencies and law enforcement partners.

State officials argue the measure strengthens public safety by preventing taxpayer resources from indirectly supporting groups they believe are linked to extremist activity.However, the move has drawn immediate legal and political challenges.

CAIR and affiliated organizations have criticized the designation, arguing that they are civil rights groups engaged in lawful advocacy protected by the First Amendment.They have pledged to challenge the state’s actions in court, claiming the designations are politically motivated and unconstitutional.Civil liberties advocates have also raised concerns that the law could be used to suppress protected speech and association.Florida officials maintain that the law is focused on combating terrorism and does not equate to federal terrorist designations issued by the U.S.State Department.

Legal experts expect the implementation process and resulting lawsuits to test the limits of state authority in defining and penalizing alleged extremist organizations.