Florida Governor Signs Law to Combat Terrorism and Ban Sharia

DeSantis signs legislation aimed at preventing foreign laws from being applied in the state

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:00am

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and gold, conceptually representing the passage of a new law.A new Florida law aims to combat the spread of extremist ideologies and foreign legal influences in the state.Tallahassee Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed HB 1471, a new law that strengthens protections against the application of foreign laws, including Sharia law, in the state. The legislation is intended to combat terrorist groups and prevent their ideologies from taking root in Florida.

Why it matters

This law is part of a broader effort by the DeSantis administration to crack down on extremist ideologies and foreign influences that they believe pose a threat to Florida's security and values. Critics argue the law unfairly targets Muslim communities, while supporters say it's necessary to uphold American principles.

The details

HB 1471 prohibits Florida courts from applying foreign laws that would violate state public policy, with a specific focus on preventing Sharia law from being used. The law also requires state agencies to report any attempts by terrorist organizations to operate within Florida.

  • Governor DeSantis signed the legislation on April 7, 2026.

The players

Governor Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who signed the new law aimed at combating terrorist groups and foreign legal influences.

HB 1471

The Florida state legislation that strengthens protections against the application of foreign laws, including Sharia law, in the state.

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What they’re saying

“HB 1471 reinforces these principles in Florida, and I was proud to sign it into law today.”

— Governor Ron DeSantis

The takeaway

This new law reflects the DeSantis administration's hardline stance against perceived threats from extremist ideologies and foreign influences, though critics argue it unfairly targets Muslim communities in Florida.