Florida designates CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the State Cabinet have designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Antifa movement as terrorist organizations within the state. The decision, approved on September 29, also includes over 90 foreign organizations already designated as terrorist entities by the federal government. These designations are set to take effect on November 5.

The ruling carries significant legal and financial consequences. Designated groups are prohibited from receiving funding from Florida state or local governments, and public scholarships for educational institutions that support these groups will be revoked. Furthermore, the law allows the state to dissolve the targeted organizations and establishes criminal penalties for those who fail to comply.

CAIR, which describes itself as the leading civil rights organization for the Muslim community in the United States, denies allegations of ties to extremist networks. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and CAIR have warned that these designations could force the organization to cease operations in Florida due to the threat of heavy criminal sanctions against employees, board members, and supporters.