Florida universities could face a ban on hiring new faculty or staff using H-1B visas until January 5, 2027, if a proposed rule backed by Governor Ron DeSantis is approved.
The State University System Board of Governors is set to introduce the policy on January 29, according to Politico.
If implemented, the rule would affect more than 600 current visa holders at Florida’s public universities and prevent any new H-1B hires for nearly two years.
Why the Move? DeSantis Criticizes H-1B Visas
Governor DeSantis has long criticized the H-1B program, calling it a “total scam” and a way for institutions to hire cheaper foreign workers instead of qualified Americans.
In October 2025, he ordered a ban on new H-1B hires at Florida’s public universities following a state audit.
The audit found H-1B workers in roles like data analysts and even assistant swim coaches, jobs that could be filled by domestic workers.
DeSantis said, “We need to make sure our citizens here in Florida are first in line for job opportunities,” emphasizing the importance of hiring local graduates before bringing in foreign talent.
How the Rule Would Work
The Board of Governors’ Nomination and Governance Committee will consider adding a rule stating that universities cannot “utilize the H-1B program… to hire any new employees through January 5, 2027.”
If approved, the rule would undergo a 14-day public comment period before becoming final.
Most members of the Board—14 out of 17—are appointed by the governor, giving DeSantis significant influence over the decision.
Who Could Be Affected?
Last fiscal year, H-1B visas were approved for hundreds of workers at Florida universities:
University of Florida: 253
University of Miami: 146
Florida State University: ~110
University of South Florida: ~110
University of Central Florida: 47
Smaller numbers were employed at other public institutions, primarily in faculty, healthcare, research, engineering, and science roles, where demand is high.
As of mid-2025, Florida had over 1,900 employers sponsoring more than 7,200 H-1B visa holders, highlighting how widespread the program is in the state.
DeSantis Pushes “Hire Americans First” Agenda
DeSantis has repeatedly called H-1B visas a form of cheap labor or “indentured servitude,” saying, “We can do it with our residents in Florida or with Americans… if we can’t, then we need to look deeply at what is going on.”
He announced the move on Twitter, stating universities are importing foreign workers instead of hiring qualified Americans, and promised Florida would not tolerate H-1B abuse.
He also emphasized that Florida produces thousands of highly qualified graduates each year, who should be prioritized for employment in the state.
