Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure into law Monday that gives Florida leaders the ability to label groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations and expel state university students who support them. The law was signed during a news conference in Tampa.
The legislation allows a top official at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to designate an organization as a terrorist group. The designation requires approval from the governor and three other members of the Florida Cabinet: the state attorney general, the chief financial officer and the agriculture commissioner. Once designated, organizations can be dissolved and prohibited from receiving state funding through school districts or state agencies.
What the Left Is Saying
Free speech advocates and progressive organizations have raised concerns about the law's potential impact on First Amendment rights. William Johnson, PEN America's Florida director, said the new law contains vague language that could restrict education programs deemed to be "promoting" terrorism and could target student protesters who criticize Florida officials.
"The implications are fraught," Johnson said. "This could chill education at every level."
Civil liberties groups have argued that the law grants executive branch officials sweeping powers to designate organizations without adequate judicial oversight. Critics note that a federal judge already temporarily blocked enforcement of DeSantis' December executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhoods as foreign terrorist organizations.
What the Right Is Saying
Supporters of the legislation say it provides necessary tools to combat extremism and protect Florida residents. At the news conference in Tampa, DeSantis said the law would help protect taxpayers and prevent activities that should not be happening in the United States or in what he called "the free state of Florida."
"This will help the state of Florida protect you. It'll help us protect your tax dollars," DeSantis said. "It'll help us protect things that should not be happening in the United States of America, but certainly shouldn't be happening in the free state of Florida."
Conservatives have argued that existing federal terrorism designations are insufficient and that states need their own tools to address organizations they consider threats. The law's supporters say it provides accountability for groups receiving state funding and creates consequences for students who support designated organizations.
What the Numbers Show
The law applies to both domestic and foreign terrorist organizations. Under the legislation, universities must report the status of expelled students who are in the United States on visas to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In December 2024, DeSantis designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhoods as foreign terrorist organizations through executive order. A federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of that executive order in March 2025, ruling that the governor likely exceeded his authority.
The law takes effect immediately upon signing. Organizations designated under the new law would lose access to all state funding through school districts and state agencies.
The Bottom Line
The new Florida law grants the governor and Cabinet significant authority to designate organizations as terrorist groups, with implications for both organizational funding and student immigration status. The law faces potential legal challenges from civil liberties groups who argue it violates First Amendment protections. A federal judge has already temporarily blocked a similar executive order from DeSantis, suggesting the new law may also face judicial scrutiny. Watch for court challenges and potential amendments as the law is implemented.