Florida Law Expands “Terrorist” Designation Powers, Limits Foreign Law Use, Sparking Civil Rights Concerns

Florida Law Expands “Terrorist” Designation Powers, Limits Foreign Law Use, Sparking Civil Rights Concerns
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a controversial law on April 6, granting state authorities expanded powers to designate organizations as “terrorist” groups and imposing new restrictions on the use of foreign or religious law in state institutions.

The law allows a senior state security official to recommend labeling an organization as a “domestic or foreign terrorist organization,” with final approval granted by the governor and cabinet. Once designated, such groups may face loss of state funding, legal dissolution, and operational restrictions.

It also introduces strict consequences for individuals and institutions associated with these groups. Public universities must expel students found to be supporting designated organizations, and in cases involving foreign students, institutions are required to notify U.S. immigration authorities.

In addition, the law bars courts and other state bodies from enforcing foreign or religious legal systems if they conflict with constitutional rights, with officials explicitly referencing Islamic Sharia law as an example.