Florida Labels Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as Terrorist Groups Under New State Policy

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order officially designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as terrorist organizations under state law. The order instructs state agencies to prevent these groups from engaging in activities considered unlawful and to withhold state contracts, employment, and other benefits from anyone providing material support to them.

DeSantis stated that the move aims to protect Floridians from the threat of radical extremism, citing historical links between the Muslim Brotherhood and overseas militant groups, including the founding of Hamas. The order also references legal cases that have connected CAIR to past federal investigations.

The directive requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other state agencies to review and enforce compliance measures immediately. A comprehensive review of state legal authorities will also be conducted, with additional recommendations expected by early January 2026.

CAIR strongly condemned the designation, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated, asserting the organization has never engaged in illegal activities. Civil-liberties advocates also raised concerns, warning that the order could criminalize protected speech and association.

Legal experts predict the move could face judicial challenges, as it represents a state-level terrorist designation not mirrored at the federal level. Supporters argue the order addresses a perceived security gap while national authorities review potential designations.

The executive order takes immediate effect, positioning Florida as the first U.S. state to formally blacklist these organizations, a decision that supporters praise as decisive and critics see as unprecedented overreach.