DeSantis signs law creating state domestic terrorism designations, criminalizing support

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation Monday establishing a state-level process to designate domestic and foreign terrorist organizations, marking a significant expansion of Florida's counter-terrorism powers.

The new law, HB 1471, criminalizes providing material support to organizations designated as terrorist groups under the state process. The measure also prohibits Florida schools and courts from using public funds to support or enforce foreign laws associated with such organizations.

The Republican governor's signature on the bill creates parallel state authority to the federal government's existing terrorism designation system. The legislation does not specify which organizations might be designated under the new framework or detail the criteria state officials will use to make such determinations.

Under the law, individuals or entities found to be providing material support to designated terrorist organizations could face criminal penalties, though the source material does not detail the specific charges or sentences involved.

The measure's restrictions on educational institutions prevent Florida schools from using public money in ways that could be connected to designated terrorist groups. Similarly, state courts are barred from enforcing foreign laws that have associations with organizations on Florida's terrorist designation list.

The legislation represents one of the most direct state-level approaches to terrorism designations in the country, as such powers have traditionally resided primarily with federal agencies. The federal government maintains its own list of foreign terrorist organizations through the State Department, which carries criminal penalties for providing material support.

Florida's new law does not explain how the state designation process will interact with existing federal terrorism lists or whether Florida will create its own independent determinations. The measure also does not clarify whether designations will require judicial review or what appeals process may be available.

The signing comes as various states have sought to expand their own security and counter-terrorism measures beyond federal frameworks. However, the specific implementation details of Florida's designation process remain unclear based on the governor's announcement.

Questions remain about how the law will be administered, which state agency will oversee the designation process, and what evidence standards will be required to place an organization on Florida's list. The legislation does not address whether the state will coordinate with federal authorities on designations or operate independently.