Florida House Advances Bills Targeting Terrorism & Sharia Law

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, April 9th 2026 at 9:58 GMT by Orlando Sentinel
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Florida Lawmakers Advance Controversial Bills Targeting Terrorism & Sharia Law

TALLAHASSEE - In a move sparking heated debate and widespread criticism, the Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday approved two bills focused on counter-terrorism measures and restrictions on foreign legal interpretations, specifically targeting concerns around Sharia law. The bills, HB 1071 and HB 1107, have drawn condemnation from civil rights organizations and legal scholars who argue they are ripe for legal challenges and may lead to discrimination.

The first bill, HB 1071, focuses on bolstering Florida's defenses against terrorism financing and activity. The proposed legislation creates new felony offenses for individuals knowingly providing "material support" to entities labeled as terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department. While proponents claim this strengthens security, opponents fear the definition of "material support" is dangerously broad. Critics argue this could unintentionally criminalize legitimate charitable donations or humanitarian aid sent to regions with designated terrorist groups, even if the aid isn't directly intended for those groups. The bill also expands the existing definition of "terrorism" to encompass actions posing a "substantial risk" of serious injury or death, and increases penalties associated with related offenses. This expansion, critics claim, allows for a subjective interpretation of what constitutes a terrorist act, opening the door to potential abuse and overreach.

The second bill, HB 1107, directly addresses concerns about the potential application of Sharia law within Florida's court system. It unequivocally states that Florida courts will not recognize or be bound by any foreign law, legal system, or religious tenet that contradicts Florida state law. Supporters of the bill frame it as a necessary safeguard to protect Florida's legal framework from conflicting interpretations and to ensure the supremacy of state and federal laws. They point to hypothetical scenarios where Sharia law principles - particularly in areas of family law, such as inheritance or divorce - could clash with Florida's established legal standards.

However, the bill has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Opponents, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), label the measure unconstitutional, arguing it violates the First Amendment's protections for religious freedom. Legal experts echo these concerns, suggesting the bill's language is vague and could lead to confusion in contract disputes, particularly those involving parties from diverse religious backgrounds. The core argument centers on the idea that the bill singles out one particular religious legal system - Sharia - while ignoring other foreign legal principles that might occasionally conflict with Florida law. This selective targeting, opponents claim, is inherently discriminatory and reflects anti-Muslim bias.

The debate surrounding HB 1107 also raises questions about the role of religious principles in legal interpretation. While all legal systems are influenced by underlying moral and ethical frameworks, opponents argue this bill inappropriately attempts to legislate against a specific religious tradition. They highlight that existing legal principles of due process and constitutional rights already adequately address potential conflicts between foreign laws and Florida's legal system.

Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly voiced his support for both HB 1071 and HB 1107, signaling a strong likelihood that they will be signed into law if they pass the Florida Senate. This support underscores a broader trend of conservative lawmakers across the nation seeking to tighten security measures and assert state control over legal interpretations. The bills' passage in the House represents a significant step in that direction.

The bills now move to the Senate, where they are expected to face further scrutiny and debate. Several senators have already indicated reservations about the bills' potential constitutional flaws and the risk of alienating minority communities. The upcoming Senate hearings are likely to be contentious, with both supporters and opponents mobilizing to make their case. The outcome remains uncertain, but the bills have already sparked a national conversation about the balance between national security, religious freedom, and the potential for discriminatory legislation. The legal challenges are all but guaranteed should these bills become law, setting the stage for a protracted court battle over their constitutionality and impact.