DeSantis Designates CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Groups in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday formally designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations under state authority, directing agencies to immediately restrict their activities.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Florida is designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations.

Florida agencies are hereby directed to undertake all lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities by these… pic.twitter.com/2s48yYfEg7

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 8, 2025

The announcement came in a post on X, where DeSantis wrote:
“EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Florida is designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations. Florida agencies are hereby directed to undertake all lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities by these organizations, including denying privileges or resources to anyone providing material support.”

Under the order, state law-enforcement and administrative agencies must block access to state resources, review any interactions with the designated groups and deny privileges to individuals or entities found to be providing support to them.

DeSantis cited past federal prosecutions involving individuals associated with CAIR and longstanding allegations connecting the Muslim Brotherhood to extremist movements including Hamas. Supporters say the measure strengthens Florida’s security posture, while critics argue it could face First Amendment and due-process challenges.

The directive takes immediate effect and requires agencies to complete a compliance review within 30 days. CAIR did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

DeSantis has made aggressive counterterrorism measures a hallmark of his administration and framed the order as part of ensuring Florida “does not provide safe harbor” for groups he considers security risks. The announcement comes amid heightened national tensions following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and protests across the United States.