Florida independent terrorist designation process

Florida has established a new regulatory framework allowing the state to independently designate terrorist organizations, separate from federal government lists. Under this process, the state’s head of Homeland Security submits proposals to the cabinet, and designated groups are granted a seven-day window to file objections before the designations take effect.

Following the implementation of this process, Governor Ron DeSantis and the State Cabinet designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Antifa movement as terrorist organizations. The decision also includes over 90 foreign organizations previously designated by the federal government. These designations, set to take effect on November 5, prohibit the groups from receiving state or local government funding and allow for the revocation of public scholarships. The state also maintains the authority to dissolve these organizations and impose criminal penalties for non-compliance.

CAIR has denied ties to extremist networks, while the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned that the threat of criminal sanctions against employees and supporters could force the organization to cease operations within the state.