Florida Approves State-Level Terrorism Designations for CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood
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Dhivyanshu
- . October 3, 2026
- . Update: October 3, 2026 1:32 pm
Florida’s September 29 Cabinet meeting marked a major implementation step for legislation enacted earlier in 2026.
The state approved designations involving CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood and Antifa under Florida’s domestic terrorism framework. The Cabinet also approved the designation of more than 90 foreign organisations that are already listed as FTOs by the U.S. government.
Florida’s official process was created through 2026 legislation, including House Bill 1471. The law established procedures for identifying and designating organisations as domestic or foreign terrorist organisations under Florida law.
The September 29 decision followed an emergency rule adopted earlier in September that established procedures for implementing the new law.
Why Was CAIR Included?
Florida’s designation documents cite several allegations and historical events as the basis for including CAIR.
Among the material referenced by Florida authorities is CAIR’s identification as an unindicted co-conspirator in litigation involving the Holy Land Foundation. In 2008, five former leaders of the Holy Land Foundation were convicted in federal court of providing material support to Hamas. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that the foundation had provided approximately $12.4 million to Hamas.
Florida’s documents also reference alleged connections involving CAIR founders, Hamas and the Palestine Committee of the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood. They additionally cite allegations concerning individuals associated with CAIR and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as the United Arab Emirates’ 2014 designation of CAIR.
These points are part of Florida authorities’ stated rationale for the designation. They should not be interpreted as a criminal conviction of CAIR. CAIR was not one of the defendants convicted in the Holy Land Foundation prosecution.
CAIR has disputed the allegations and is challenging Florida’s designation in court.
How Florida’s State Terrorism Framework Works
Florida Statute §943.03102 establishes the state’s designation procedure.
For a domestic organisation, the law provides a process under which the Chief of Domestic Security may recommend designation when statutory criteria concerning terrorist activity and an ongoing threat are met. The recommendation goes to the governor and Cabinet, which can approve or reject it.
The law also creates a separate pathway for foreign organisations. Organisations already designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations by the U.S. Secretary of State can be considered for designation under Florida law when the statutory requirements are satisfied.
Following publication of a designation, an organisation has a defined period to challenge the designation in Florida circuit court.
The designation can also affect access to state resources. Florida law restricts certain state agencies, political subdivisions and public entities from providing funds or entering into specified transactions with designated organisations. Additional provisions address material support, membership and other consequences under circumstances defined by state law.
Florida’s System vs. the U.S. Federal FTO System
The September 29 action should not be confused with a federal Foreign Terrorist Organisation designation.
The U.S. FTO system is administered by the Secretary of State under federal law. It applies to foreign organisations that meet federal statutory requirements.
Florida’s framework operates separately under state law. In practical terms, an organisation can be designated under Florida’s state framework without receiving a new federal FTO designation.
CAIR, for example, is not listed as a U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organisation. Florida’s action therefore does not itself add CAIR to the federal FTO list.
This distinction is central to understanding the September 29 decision and its legal consequences.
The Legal Challenge From CAIR and the ACLU
The designations are already facing legal challenges.
CAIR and CAIR-Florida filed a federal lawsuit against Florida officials, arguing that the state’s actions violate constitutional protections, including First Amendment rights. The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida and other civil-liberties organisations have been involved in the litigation.
The legal dispute also follows an earlier challenge to Florida’s December 2025 executive order concerning CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood. In March 2026, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of that executive order as applied to CAIR.
Following the September 29 Cabinet vote, the ACLU said it intended to pursue additional court action and seek emergency relief.
Florida officials, meanwhile, have defended the state’s authority to use the new statutory framework to address organizations they say present security threats.
2025–2026 Timeline
December 2025: Gov. DeSantis issued Executive Order 25-244 concerning CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood.
March 2026: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction concerning enforcement of the executive order as applied to CAIR.
April 2026: Florida enacted legislation establishing the state’s terrorism-designation framework.
July 1, 2026: The new legislation took effect.
September 11, 2026: Florida adopted an emergency rule establishing implementation procedures.
September 29, 2026: The governor and Cabinet approved the new terrorism designations.
After September 29: CAIR and civil-liberties groups continued their legal challenge, with further court proceedings expected.
What Happens Next?
The September 29 vote does not end the dispute. The designations remain subject to legal challenges, and courts will determine whether the challenged provisions and their application comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
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