Florida Cabinet Designated Over 90 Terrorist Organizations
The state government approved a list of groups that are now barred from receiving taxpayer funding and contracts.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Terrorism
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The Florida Cabinet has officially designated over 90 organizations as terror groups following a recommendation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. These groups, which include CAIR, Antifa, and several international cartels, are now prohibited from accessing taxpayer money or state government contracts.
Why it matters
These designations aim to curb the influence of radical ideologies across Florida by severing institutional ties and funding sources. The move imposes criminal penalties on individuals who provide material support to any of the listed entities.
The formal designation process was established under HB 1471 and will take legal effect 30 days after publication. CAIR has initiated a court challenge to contest the state's classification of their organization.
The players
Florida Cabinet
The Florida Cabinet is an executive body that assists the governor in the management of state affairs.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is the state agency responsible for conducting criminal investigations and supporting local law enforcement.
CAIR
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is a Muslim civil rights and advocacy group that is currently challenging its state designation in court.
Ron DeSantis
Ron DeSantis is the Governor of Florida who has prioritized the tracking and restriction of radical organizations.
The details
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted the formal review process that resulted in the state list, which includes groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, the Sinaloa cartel, the Noreste cartel, the Golfo cartel, Tren de Aragua, and the IRGC. The Cabinet meeting served as the final approval mechanism to implement these measures throughout the state.
Timeline
December 2025: Governor DeSantis signed an executive order against terrorist ideologies.
July 2026: The Governor's Office previewed the upcoming designation action.
September 29, 2026: The Florida Cabinet approved the terror group designations.
October 29, 2026: The designations take full legal effect under state law.
Legal Context
The designations are governed by the administrative framework of HB 1471, which formalizes how the state identifies and restricts organizations. This action mirrors broader legislative efforts to align state policy with specific security mandates.
Residents should be aware that individuals who provide material support to the designated groups are now subject to criminal penalties in Florida. Local businesses and entities must ensure they are not inadvertently entering into contracts with any of the over 90 blacklisted organizations.
The takeaway
The implementation of these designations represents a significant shift in how Florida manages the intersection of state contracting and foreign-linked organizations. Readers should monitor ongoing legal proceedings, as the court's review of the CAIR challenge could alter the scope of these state regulations.
Further reading
For more information on state security initiatives, visit the Florida Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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