In a controversial move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his Cabinet have labeled more than 90 organizations as terrorist groups, including the Tren de Aragua, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood, and Antifa. This decision, made on Tuesday, is already facing a legal challenge.
The designation was made possible by the state law HB 1471, which came into effect on July 1, allowing Florida to create its own list of terrorist organizations.
According to CBS Miami, the decision was reached with minimal discussion and no public input from the governor and Cabinet members. The list extends to over 90 entities that are already identified as foreign terrorist organizations by the federal government. This includes not only those mentioned but also the Sinaloa Cartel, the Gulf Cartel, other Mexican criminal groups, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The situation differs for Tren de Aragua and CAIR. While the criminal group from Venezuela is already listed federally as a foreign terrorist organization, CAIR, a U.S.-based civil rights group advocating for Muslims, is not on the federal list.
Florida's decision has prompted a lawsuit. CAIR and its Florida chapter have filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee, arguing that the mechanism violates the First Amendment and the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Additionally, CAIR's attorneys plan to request a preliminary injunction to prevent the designation from taking effect. The organization denies involvement in terrorist activities and argues that the designation threatens its advocacy and community representation efforts.
According to NBC Miami, the affected organizations have avenues to challenge these designations while the federal court case over the new law's constitutionality proceeds. The designations are set to take effect on November 5, unless a court ruling alters this schedule.
The clash between Florida and CAIR has been ongoing. Back in December 2025, DeSantis issued an executive order labeling CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist groups. However, in March, federal judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary order blocking parts of that measure, citing constitutional rights concerns for CAIR.
In response, Florida sought a legislative solution. In April, DeSantis signed HB 1471, establishing a specific state process for identifying and designating terrorist organizations, which requires the governor and Cabinet's approval.
After the law was activated in July, DeSantis announced plans to include CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, Antifa, and over 90 foreign organizations. These included Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, the Gulf Cartel, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, all recognized federally.
In September, the procedure was further clarified when Florida approved regulations to craft its own independent list. The rules require the state's Homeland Security chief to submit each proposal in writing, allowing the affected organization seven days to object. The designation becomes effective 30 days after publication.
The regulations specify that mere membership in a designated organization or provision of legal assistance is not enough to initiate criminal proceedings. HB 1471 also outlines repercussions for entities linked to designated organizations.
Among other provisions, it restricts the use of public funds in programs promoting these groups and imposes penalties within the state university system for behaviors deemed supportive or promotive of these organizations by the law.
Legal Implications of Florida's Terrorist Designations
What is HB 1471 and how does it impact Florida's terrorist designations?
HB 1471 is a Florida state law that allows the state to independently designate organizations as terrorist groups. It provides a specific process involving the governor and Cabinet's approval, and affects how organizations are listed and contested within the state.
How has CAIR responded to being labeled a terrorist organization by Florida?
CAIR has filed a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the designation violates constitutional rights including the First Amendment and due process. They are also seeking a preliminary injunction to block the designation from taking effect.
Are there any federal implications for the organizations labeled by Florida as terrorist groups?
Some organizations on Florida's list, such as the Tren de Aragua and various Mexican cartels, are already recognized federally as terrorist organizations. However, Florida's independent list does not necessarily align with federal designations, which can lead to legal and jurisdictional conflicts.