Florida Bill Aims to Create State-Level Surveillance of 'Views' and 'Opinions'

Proposed legislation raises concerns about potential overreach and domestic surveillance.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A proposal in Florida, House Bill 945, would establish a statewide counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit, raising concerns about potential overreach and domestic surveillance. The bill, sponsored by Tampa area Republican representative Danny Alvarez, aims to identify and disrupt threats to Florida and the United States.

Why it matters

Critics argue the bill is unnecessary given existing federal efforts and could lead to a fragmented intelligence landscape, echoing issues identified by the 9/11 commission. The bill's language, which allows scrutiny based on 'views' and 'opinions,' has drawn particular concern, as it recalls past abuses of power like the FBI's Cointelpro program in the 1960s and 70s.

The details

House Bill 945 would create an operational intelligence office within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The unit would be fully staffed by December 30, 2033, with a 10-person leadership team expected to be in place by mid-2027. Its stated purpose is to address threats including terrorism, foreign intelligence operations, and insider threats.

  • As of March 1, 2026, HB 945 has passed two of its four assigned House committees.
  • The Senate version, SB 1712, has not yet moved.

The players

Danny Alvarez

A Tampa area Republican representative who sponsored House Bill 945.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The agency that would house the new counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit if the bill is passed.

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What’s next

The Senate version of the bill, SB 1712, has not yet moved, so the next step will be to see if it gains traction in the Florida Senate.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Florida raises significant concerns about the potential for overreach and the targeting of individuals based on their political views and opinions, which could have a chilling effect on lawful dissent and free expression. The precedent it could set for other states is also worrying, as it could lead to a fragmented and potentially abusive domestic surveillance landscape across the country.