Florida Law Lets Gov’t Label Groups as Terrorists and Expel Students
Florida, USATue Apr 07 2026
A new Florida law gives the governor, the state’s security chief and cabinet members the authority to name any organization they believe is extremist as a “terrorist group. ”
Once an entity receives that label, the state can shut it down and cut its funding.
The bill also says students will be expelled if they publicly support a domestic or foreign terrorist organization.
Florida’s Republican governor signed the measure on Monday, adding it to a growing list of state actions that target civil‑rights groups.
A major Muslim advocacy organization called the law harsh and unconstitutional, after a similar order against them was blocked by a judge.
Other rights groups warn that this kind of law could silence people who speak out or organize around controversial views.
The legislation follows Texas’ recent move to label the same Muslim rights group as a terrorist organization, which the group also sued over.
Legal scholars from Chicago and Stanford say such actions could pave the way for broader authoritarian measures.
The federal government has also pressured organizations it views as extremist, especially those supporting Palestinian causes.
Critics argue that these actions mix legitimate criticism of Israel with accusations of antisemitism and threaten free speech.
PEN America’s Florida director said the new law could punish students for protected expression.
The governor claims the measure is a tool to fight extremism and keep schools accountable.
