Florida CAIR Threatens Lawsuit Against DeSantis Over ‘Foreign Terrorist’ Designation

The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced plans to challenge Governor Ron DeSantis in court following his executive order designating the Muslim civil rights organization as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

During a news conference in Tampa, CAIR-Florida Deputy Executive Director Hiba Rahim condemned the order as an attack rooted in conspiracy theories. “We are very proud to defend the founding principles of our Constitution, to defend free speech,” Rahim stated. “We are proud to defend democracy, and we are proud to be America first.”

Rahim suggested the governor’s strong support for Israel influenced his decision, claiming CAIR’s advocacy had caused “discomfort” for the U.S. ally. She emphasized that the organization would not back down in the face of the designation.

DeSantis, however, defended his administration’s action, telling reporters Tuesday that the designation was “a long time coming” and that he welcomed CAIR’s legal challenge. The governor’s executive order also designates the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, mirroring a recent move by President Donald Trump, who last month initiated a federal process to consider labeling certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist entities.

The Florida governor indicated this was only the beginning of his administration’s actions on this front. He expressed expectations that state lawmakers would pursue related legislation when they reconvene in January.

Under the executive order, Florida state agencies are prohibited from awarding contracts, employment or funds to CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any organizations deemed to have materially supported them. This represents a significant operational restriction for CAIR’s Florida chapter, which has been active in civil rights advocacy within the Muslim community.

Attorney Miranda Margolis, speaking at the Tampa news conference, criticized DeSantis’s order, arguing he had overstepped his authority. “This designation is without legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric,” Margolis said.

CAIR’s leadership has drawn parallels between the current situation and historical targeting of other religious and ethnic communities in America. Rahim compared the action to past discriminatory efforts against Jewish, Irish, and Italian American communities, framing it as part of a troubling pattern in American history.

Florida’s move follows similar action taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who recently issued a comparable proclamation. CAIR has already challenged Abbott’s designation in federal court, arguing it violates both the U.S. Constitution and Texas law. The Texas order has prompted backlash from Muslim and interfaith organizations, which have called on Abbott to rescind it.

Legal experts note that state-level terrorist designations do not carry the same weight as federal Foreign Terrorist Organization classifications, which can only be issued by the U.S. State Department after extensive review. This distinction forms part of CAIR’s legal argument against both state actions.

The organization contends that Florida’s order violates its First Amendment rights and due-process protections. Additionally, CAIR argues that terrorism designations fall exclusively under federal jurisdiction, not state authority.

The dispute highlights growing tensions over the treatment of Muslim civil rights organizations in the United States, particularly in conservative-led states. For decades, CAIR has presented itself as the largest Muslim civil liberties organization in the country, while critics have questioned its positions and affiliations.

The legal battle ahead will likely center on questions of state versus federal authority in designating terrorist organizations, as well as constitutional protections for religious and advocacy groups. As the case moves forward, it could establish important precedents for how states can interact with religious and advocacy organizations that face political scrutiny.