Tallahassee — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has formally designated the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist organization, citing alleged ties to extremist groups and foreign funding networks. The move comes under House Bill 1471, which took effect July 1, 2026, granting the state power to label entities as terrorist organizations without waiting for federal classification.
DeSantis said the decision was based on recommendations from Florida’s Office of Domestic Security, which reviewed evidence linking CAIR to organizations previously identified by the U.S. government as supporting terrorism. “Florida will not tolerate groups that promote hatred or undermine our national security,” he stated during a press briefing.
CAIR, one of the largest Muslim civil rights organizations in the United States, strongly denied the allegations, calling the designation “politically motivated and unconstitutional.” The group announced plans to challenge the decision in court, arguing that it violates free speech and religious freedom protections.
Legal experts predict the case could test the limits of state authority in defining terrorism, as such designations have traditionally been handled at the federal level.
Supporters of the measure say it strengthens Florida’s ability to combat extremist threats and aligns with broader efforts to target groups accused of spreading radical ideologies. Critics, however, warn that the move risks stigmatizing Muslim communities and undermining legitimate advocacy work.
The designation also places CAIR alongside other entities named under the new law, including Antifa, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Key Points
- Law: House Bill 1471 grants Florida power to label terrorist organizations.
- Designation: CAIR added to state list alongside Antifa, Muslim Brotherhood, and IRGC.
- Governor’s statement: “Florida will not tolerate groups that promote hatred.”
- CAIR’s response: Denies allegations, plans legal challenge.
- Legal implications: Tests state vs. federal authority on terrorism definitions.
Credit: Jewish News Syndicate (JNS)
Subscribe to the JFN WhatsApp Channel
