Florida’s New Law Targets Terrorist Organizations
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida announced on Wednesday his plans to utilize a newly enacted state law to categorize multiple groups as terrorist organizations. However, this decision awaits approval from the Florida Cabinet and has already encountered legal challenges from at least one of those groups.
The law, known as HB 1471, was signed earlier this year and became effective on the same day as the announcement. DeSantis emphasized that the intention is to use these statutory powers to “identify, designate, and combat terrorist organizations operating in Florida.” This marks the inaugural application of these powers established by the legislation.
The state aims to label over 90 organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Antifa, as terrorist groups. Yet, for these designations to be finalized, they must receive approval from both the governor and the Cabinet.
“Last December, I issued an executive order aimed at eradicating the influence of extremist terrorist ideology in Florida. This year, with new legislation, we are enhancing our capabilities to combat terrorism while safeguarding the constitutional rights of our citizens,” DeSantis stated. He added that more than 90 foreign terrorist organizations, alongside CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, are being considered for designation.
Under HB 1471, the Secretary of Homeland Security can propose eligible organizations for designation as either domestic or foreign terrorist organizations. However, the Governor and Cabinet hold the discretion to approve or reject these designations through a majority vote before they appear on the Florida Administrative Register.
Groups marked for inclusion also encompass the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and cartels like Cartel de Sinaloa and Cartel del Golfo.
Commissioner Mark Glass of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement reinforced that identifying threats is critical for community safety. He mentioned that improved knowledge and cooperation among state officials, federal partners, and the community enhance safety, which seems like a reasonable point, right?
HB 1471 stipulates that governmental bodies must refuse public assistance and taxpayer funding to the identified organizations. It establishes enforcement protocols and criminal penalties for anyone providing material support to these designated terrorist entities.
The law further assures that foreign or religious codes cannot supersede Florida or U.S. constitutional provisions in state courts.
CAIR reacted strongly, asserting that this designation is unfounded and claiming their activities do not involve terrorism. They highlighted that they have neither faced charges nor convictions for any criminal activity. CAIR has taken legal action against DeSantis over previous executive orders targeting the organization.
In their statement, CAIR expressed their historical role in defending constitutional rights, emphasizing the need to challenge what they deem an unjust targeting based on bias. They are prepared to fight back in court.
Critics, such as CAIR and various civil liberties organizations, argue that this initiative is politically motivated. They contend it poses a threat to free speech and association, rights protected under the First Amendment. Conversely, DeSantis and his administration maintain that the aim is to prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting organizations they allege endorse terrorism.
If the Cabinet gives its approval, this designation will function under state law, differing from the federal designations issued by the U.S. Department of State.
