Florida attorney general issues warning to Coral Springs officials over upcoming Muslim conference at city venue
Coral Springs, Florida – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a public warning to officials in Coral Springs regarding an upcoming conference scheduled to take place at the city-owned Coral Springs Center for the Arts. The event, known as the Florida Muslim Conference, is organized by the South Florida Muslim Federation and is set to occur next weekend.
In a statement shared on social media, Uthmeier emphasized that “local resources” cannot be used to facilitate events tied to organizations the state has designated as terrorist entities. He specifically mentioned the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which the state recently labeled as a terrorist organization. “Coral Springs should remember that state and local resources cannot be used by any organization affiliated with CAIR, which is a designated terrorist organization,” the Attorney General wrote in a January 23 tweet.
The warning has drawn immediate attention and response from both the city and conference organizers. Representatives from the South Florida Muslim Federation have publicly pushed back against the assertions, pointing out that CAIR is not involved in organizing or sponsoring the Florida Muslim Conference. They stressed that the conference is managed entirely by their nonprofit organization.
During last week’s Coral Springs City Commission meeting, Mayor Scott Brook addressed the matter directly. He confirmed that the city itself is not sponsoring, hosting, or organizing the event, and that the venue has simply been rented by a registered nonprofit. “As a public entity, the city cannot deny or restrict facility use based on an organization’s religious beliefs, political viewpoints, or background,” Mayor Brook said. He added that renting a city facility does not constitute city endorsement of any group’s views, positions, or messages.
City Attorney John Hearn also weighed in, clarifying the distinction between organizations. While acknowledging the governor’s designation of CAIR as a terrorist organization, Hearn noted that the South Florida Muslim Federation is a separate nonprofit entity. “He can name other organizations as a terrorist organization,” Hearn said. “That would be a different conversation.”
The Coral Springs Center for the Arts, like many municipal facilities, is available for rent to individuals, groups, and nonprofits on a content-neutral basis. City officials have emphasized that the decision to rent the space is strictly administrative and does not imply political or religious endorsement.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between state-level designations of organizations and the rights of local governments to provide public facilities to community groups. For many in Coral Springs, the debate raises questions about religious freedom, public safety, and municipal liability. At the same time, city leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to following the law while maintaining open access to publicly owned spaces.
The Florida Muslim Conference is expected to draw attendees from across the region, and organizers have maintained that its purpose is educational and cultural. The conference will feature discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities for members of the Muslim community, with no involvement from CAIR.
City officials have stated they will continue to monitor the situation while adhering to local and state laws. The Coral Springs Commission has not indicated any plans to cancel the event, reiterating that their responsibility is to manage public facilities fairly and equitably for all eligible organizations.
As the scheduled weekend approaches, both the city and conference organizers remain engaged in dialogue, seeking to clarify the legal boundaries of hosting public events while addressing state-level concerns.
