Florida shouldn’t be deciding who is a terrorist organization
March 5, 2026
For Immediate Release
March 5, 2026
Tallahassee, FL – Earlier today the Florida Senate passed House Bill 1471. It would allow the governor and Cabinet to designate groups as “domestic terrorist organizations” based on secret evidence. It would also allow a new government surveillance force to investigate Floridians who express opinions the state determines are “a threat” to the interests of “this state and the United States of America.”
State Voices Florida opposes this legislation and as unnecessary and likely to be abused by government officials. Florida should not be able to designate organizations “domestic terror organizations” based on evidence that is not public.
In December 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) a “terrorist organization,” banning it from state contracts and funding. DeSantis has offered no evidence proving that CAIR is a terrorist organization and a federal judge rules yesterday that the designation was improper.
The following is a statement from Larry Hannan, communications and policy director at State Voices Florida.
“Governor DeSantis’ decision to designate CAIR-Florida a terrorist organization with no evidence is a perfect example of why this legislation is a bad idea. If this becomes law state officials will be able to designate anyone they don’t like as a terrorist and won’t have to provide any evidence for their actions.
“This should concern people of all political persuasions. While the current government is conservative a future government could designate the NRA or Mom’s for Liberty as terrorists.”
Hannan also said that the State lacks the resources and infrastructure to determine who is a terrorist.
“These are responsibilities best left to the federal government,” he said.
State Voices Florida is a statewide civic engagement organization committed to bringing together progressive 501(C)(3) organizations to work together in building power around civic issues. You can learn more about the organization here.