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DeSantis Defends New Florida Terror‑Designation Law Targeting Alleged ‘Jihad’ and Citing European ‘No‑Go Zone’ Fears
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471, which creates a Florida process to designate "domestic terrorist organizations," bar them from receiving public funds, require public universities to lose state funding and expel students who promote such groups, and reaffirm that Florida courts cannot enforce foreign or religious law — including Sharia. DeSantis said the measure will keep "not one red cent for jihad" and help Florida avoid European "no‑go zones" amid mass immigration, while the ACLU of Florida called the law "dangerous" for allowing unilateral designations without meaningful standards or transparency and for targeting entities alleged to fund or materially support terrorist organizations even if they have not committed attacks.
📌 Key Facts
- Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471, creating a Florida process to designate 'domestic terrorist organizations' and bar them from receiving public funds.
- The law requires public universities to lose state funds if they 'support' a designated terrorist organization and authorizes expulsion of students who promote such groups.
- HB 1471 explicitly reaffirms that Florida courts cannot enforce foreign or religious law, including Sharia law.
- The statute allows groups or individuals to be targeted even if they are not personally committing attacks, on the basis that they allegedly fund or materially support terrorist organizations.
- DeSantis framed the law as ensuring 'not one red cent for jihad,' said it blocks entities tied to 'radical Islamist groups' from public funds, displayed signage denouncing Sharia at the signing, and reiterated the message in a Hannity appearance.
- He linked the measure to fears of European 'no‑go zones,' argued mass immigration has eroded political and cultural bonds with allies, and said Florida is 'ahead of the curve' to avoid making similar mistakes.
- The ACLU of Florida condemned the legislation as 'dangerous,' warning it permits unilateral designation of individuals and organizations as domestic terrorists without meaningful standards or transparency.
📊 Relevant Data
Estimates indicate there are between 900 and 1,000 no-go zones across European cities, characterized by elevated crime levels, weakened state authority, and the presence of parallel societies often linked to mass migration and Islamization.
Europe Home to Estimated 1000 'No-Go Zones' Driven by Mass Migration and Islamisation — Matzav.com
As of January 1, 2025, 46.7 million people (10.4% of the EU's 450.6 million population) were born outside the EU, with 18.0 million (4.0%) being non-EU citizens, reflecting significant demographic diversity due to immigration.
EU population diversity by citizenship and country of birth — Eurostat
Recent migration to Europe has been driven by conflicts in regions like Syria and Afghanistan, political instability, poverty, climate change, and economic factors, with EU asylum policies and demographic needs for labor also contributing to inflows.
Europe's Migration Dilemma — Council on Foreign Relations
Studies show that immigration in Europe has a short-term negative impact on average wages due to increased labor supply, but null or positive effects in the longer run, with variations by region and worker skill levels.
Migration into the EU: Stocktaking of Recent Developments and Macroeconomic Implications — International Monetary Fund
Immigration has contributed to challenges in social cohesion in Europe, with studies noting difficulties in integration, especially for low-educated migrants, leading to obstacles in accessing decent work and housing.
New approaches to labour market integration of migrants and refugees in the European Union — European Parliament
Between 2016 and 2026, Europe experienced numerous Islamist terrorist attacks, including major incidents in France, Belgium, Germany, and the UK, with the Global Terrorism Index reporting a decline but persistent threats.
Islamic terrorism in Europe — Wikipedia
Documented attempts to enforce Sharia law in the US from 2016-2026 are limited, with precautionary legislation like Florida's HB 1471 responding to perceived threats rather than widespread incidents; one notable case was a 2025 investigation in Texas into an Islamic tribunal.
Former Democrat files bill banning Shari'a law in Florida government — Florida Phoenix
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- DeSantis, in a Hannity appearance, characterizes the law as necessary to keep ‘not one cent for jihad’ and to block entities tied to ‘radical Islamist groups’ from public funds.
- He emphasizes that groups can be targeted even if they are not ‘personally committing attacks’ but are allegedly funding or materially supporting terrorist organizations.
- DeSantis explicitly links the law to his desire to avoid what he calls European ‘no-go zones’ and claims mass immigration has eroded political and cultural bonds between the U.S. and allies like the U.K.
- He frames Florida as being ‘ahead of the curve’ in acting proactively so the U.S. does not ‘make similar mistakes’ to Europe.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471, creating a Florida process to designate 'domestic terrorist organizations' and bar them from receiving public funds.
- The law requires public universities to lose state funds if they 'support' a designated terrorist organization and to expel students who promote such groups.
- HB 1471 explicitly reaffirms that Florida courts cannot enforce foreign or religious law, including Sharia law.
- DeSantis framed the law as ensuring 'not one red cent for jihad' and stood behind signage denouncing Sharia law at the signing.
- The ACLU of Florida publicly condemned the legislation as 'dangerous,' warning that it allows unilateral designation of individuals and organizations as domestic terrorists without meaningful standards or transparency.