Florida Passes Law Allowing Designation of Domestic Terrorist Groups

Islamic leaders criticize new legislation as anti-Muslim and a threat to free speech and religious freedom.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary government building bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of unease and isolation around the state's expanded authority.The new law granting the state broad powers to designate groups as 'terrorist organizations' has raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the targeting of minority communities in Florida.Sunrise Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law that allows the state to designate groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations, ban them from receiving public funds, and expel students who join them. Islamic advocacy groups like CAIR-Florida have condemned the law as anti-Muslim and a violation of constitutional rights.

Why it matters

The new law raises concerns about the government's ability to arbitrarily label organizations as 'terrorist' without due process, potentially infringing on free speech, freedom of religion, and the rights of minority communities in Florida.

The details

The law, known as Florida House Bill 1473, grants the state's new Chief of Domestic Security the power to designate groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations with the approval of the governor and a majority of the cabinet. This could lead to bans on receiving public funds, expulsions for students who join such groups, and in some cases, criminal penalties.

  • Governor DeSantis signed the law on April 6, 2026.
  • The law is set to go into effect in July 2026.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who signed the new law designating groups as terrorist organizations.

Omar Saleh

A representative from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) who spoke out against the law, saying it sends a message that Florida Muslims are not welcome.

Wilfredo Ruiz

A CAIR official who criticized the law for giving too much power to the government to label groups as terrorist organizations without due process.

Yunes Ismail

A representative of the South Florida Muslim Federation who said the law is based on a 'gross misunderstanding' of Muslim values and practices.

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What they’re saying

“Sharia can't be imposed, and no one is trying to impose it. When it's being presented like this, there's a clear message, at least from these lawmakers, that Florida Muslims are not welcome in Florida. That's their message.”

— Omar Saleh, CAIR Representative

“Imagine a woman, pro abortion? I say 'Oh, you're a terrorist.' LGBTQ? 'Oh, you're a terrorist.' Black? 'You're a terrorist.' What is the evidence you have that says I'm a terrorist? '[Florida House Bill 1473], there's a law that we passed, we cannot show you that evidence,'”

— Wilfredo Ruiz, CAIR Official

“We respect the laws that are already in this country, which are the best in the whole world. It's just a matter of a gross misunderstanding, or maybe some other ulterior motives.”

— Yunes Ismail, South Florida Muslim Federation Representative

What’s next

Islamic advocacy groups like CAIR-Florida are expected to challenge the new law in court, arguing that it violates constitutional rights and unfairly targets Muslim communities.

The takeaway

This law highlights the ongoing tensions between the government's efforts to combat extremism and the concerns of civil liberties groups about the potential for abuse and the targeting of minority communities. The outcome of any legal challenges will have significant implications for the balance between national security and individual freedoms in Florida.