TAMPA, Fla. — Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471 on Monday. The measure aims to limit the use of certain foreign or religious legal principles in Florida courts and expand the state’s authority to deal with terrorist organizations.
Under this law, Florida courts are prohibited from applying or enforcing foreign or religious laws if they violate rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or the Florida Constitution. The law also blocks recognition of foreign judgments or contract provisions that seek to circumvent these protections.
The measures include new provisions related to counter-terrorism. The bill authorizes the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Director of Domestic Security to recommend the designation of domestic terrorist organizations at the state level. Organizations designated under the law are subject to restrictions, including a prohibition on receiving public funding or other state support. Individuals found providing material support to such groups may face criminal penalties.
The bill also aligns national policy with the federal designations of foreign terrorist organizations and makes these classifications enforceable within Florida. State officials say the changes are aimed at better coordinating federal and state efforts.
Additionally, the bill places new restrictions on the use of taxpayer funds in educational institutions. Schools and universities are prohibited from using public funds to support or promote designated terrorist organizations. Institutions that violate the law could face the loss of state funding, and students found to have incited terrorist violence could be subject to disciplinary action based on the institution’s policies.
The new law builds on past actions taken by the DeSantis administration related to foreign influence and national security. In December, the governor issued an executive order directing state agencies to deny contracts, funding, or other benefits to entities that provide material support to terrorist organizations.
State officials said the bill aims to strengthen constitutional protections, maintain a uniform legal system and expand the tools available to law enforcement to address evolving national security threats.
