Miami, USA – Florida Governor Ronald DeSantis issued an executive order on Monday, December 8, designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as “foreign terrorist organizations” within the state’s borders.
The announcement came via a post on the X platform that included an image of the executive order. The order is titled: “Protecting the People of Florida from Radical Islamic Terrorist Organizations.”
Comprehensive measures and deprivation of state resources
The executive order requires all Florida state agencies to take all necessary legal measures to prevent activities that the state deems “illegal” by these organizations. It also mandates that any individual or entity supporting these two groups be denied government privileges.
The resolution describes the Muslim Brotherhood as a “transnational network with a history of supporting violence and seeking to establish a global caliphate.” It also states that its ideology is “incompatible” with U.S. principles of religious freedom and equality before the law.
Florida follows in Texas’ footsteps
Florida is the second US state to take this step, following Texas. On November 17, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a similar order designating the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as “foreign terrorist organizations.” The order also labels them “transnational criminal organizations,” prohibiting them from purchasing or owning any property within the state.
Linked to armed movements and support for terrorism
The Florida executive order indicates that Hamas originated from within the Muslim Brotherhood, asserting that Brotherhood branches in the Middle East provided material and operational support to Hamas and Hezbollah after the events of October 7.
The resolution also accuses the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) of having a “historical relationship” with the group and involvement in “the largest terrorist financing case” in the United States. The state based its decision on information indicating that entities linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR in the United States played a role in raising funds for Hamas activities.
New monitoring procedures and a deadline for the Security Council
The resolution prohibits any state or local government agency in Florida from providing contracts, funds, privileges, or employment opportunities to designated organizations or their supporters.
The resolution also tasked Florida’s Homeland Security Oversight Board with reviewing laws and policies related to potential threats. The board is required to submit a comprehensive report by the end of January next year.
On December 2, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States was working to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a “foreign terrorist organization.” He explained that the final documents were “being prepared.”
CARE Council’s reaction
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) responded by publishing a statement on its X platform, accusing DeSantis of “serving Israel.” It also accused him of “diverting millions of taxpayer dollars” to the Israeli government.
The statement added threateningly: “See you soon, Ron… We hope you have better lawyers than Greg Abbott,” noting that the decision was “unconstitutional” and “based on false claims.”
Founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization, CAIR presents itself as an advocate for the civil rights of American Muslims. The council has repeatedly denied politically motivated accusations of ties to fundamentalist Islamic groups.
