Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed HB 1471, a law that allows the state to designate groups as “domestic terrorist organizations” and bans foreign legislation, such as Islamic Sharia law, from being used in the state’s courts. The new Florida law was criticized by many people, who view it as part of a broader “fearmongering” campaign targeting Muslims.
Signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and sponsored by Rep. Hillary Cassel, the law will take effect on July 1, 2026. Reports indicate that it prevents Florida courts from enforcing religious or foreign laws that conflict with constitutional rights. The legislation places particular emphasis on “Sharia,” a system of Islamic law derived from the Quran.
Another part of the law gives the state’s Chief of Domestic Security the authority to determine whether a group should be designated a domestic or foreign terrorist organization. However, the designation must still be approved by the governor and the Cabinet before it takes effect.
Florida Governor Criticized for Signing ‘Useless’ Law
The new legislation did not sit well with people online, especially the section focused on Sharia law, which one user described as “this is giving fearmongering vibes.”
Many argued that the law does not make sense, with one person writing, “Nobody can enforce a law that isn’t recognized under the United States Constitution, but for some reason, they all act as if it can be.” Others complained that “Republicans have nothing to run on but fearmongering about the Sharia law boogeyman when some of the largest Muslim countries don’t even have Sharia law.”
As expected, some folks were fairly happy with the law, saying, “This is the way to go. Every state in the United States is a Christian state.” Some also stated that “we have to ensure the Muslim demographic doesn’t take enough power to overwrite it.” However, these people were widely criticized by others, who argued: “I just don’t get it. If a politician ever insulted my intelligence with such a meaningless maneuver, I’d be upset.”
It’s unsurprising that this kind of law is controversial. While the current war with Iran appears to have intensified anti-Muslim sentiment among some Americans, others see the law as little more than an attempt to turn that fear into political capital. It remains to be seen how HB 1471 will be implemented after it officially takes effect on July 1, 2026.
