Florida officials have formally designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CARE) and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, marking one of the most sweeping state-level terrorism classifications in recent years.
The declaration—announced today from Tallahassee—cites alleged ties between the Muslim Brotherhood and extremist activity abroad, along with accusations that CARE has acted as a U.S.-based affiliate supporting the network’s political and ideological operations. Florida’s administration said the decision followed a months-long review by state security, legal, and intelligence offices.
Under the new designation, Florida agencies are directed to:
- Cut off any state funding or partnerships with the named groups
- Restrict their ability to operate charitable or nonprofit functions in the state
- Flag affiliated individuals or organizations for heightened law-enforcement scrutiny
- Prohibit state contractors from maintaining financial relationships with either organization
Florida leaders stated the action was taken “to protect residents from groups whose origins and conduct raise serious national-security concerns.”
CARE and the Muslim Brotherhood have long rejected accusations of terrorist ties, and civil-rights groups are expected to challenge Florida’s move. Legal analysts say the decision may spark federal-state tensions, since neither organization is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department.
Florida’s decision comes amid heightened national debate over extremism, foreign influence networks, and safety concerns tied to international conflicts.
The decision echoes a similar step taken by Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott officially labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal groups.
Officials say further guidance for law enforcement, schools, and state contractors will be released in the coming days.
