Florida Bans H-1B Visas at State Universities

In a dramatic move set to redefine Florida’s higher education hiring policies, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an outright ban on the use of H-1B visas at Florida universities, declaring that public institutions must prioritize American citizens and Florida residents for all university jobs.

Speaking at a press conference in Tallahassee on Wednesday, DeSantis delivered a fiery address accusing universities of “importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring qualified Americans.”

“We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions,” DeSantis said. “Our universities are funded by Florida taxpayers, and they should first and foremost serve the people of this state.”

Florida: Governor’s Crackdown on H-1B Visa Abuse

The governor’s directive follows recent audits that reportedly uncovered cases of Florida state colleges employing individuals from China and other countries in academic and administrative positions — ranging from professors to policy lecturers.

“Why do we need to bring someone from China to talk about public policy?” DeSantis asked pointedly. “We have talented Floridians who can do that. If universities claim they can’t find qualified Americans, they should take a hard look at their academic programs.”

According to the Governor’s Office, the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will partner with federal agencies and the State University System to enforce the ban and ensure full compliance.

The new directive will also result in the reallocation or cancellation of millions of dollars in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) grants, which the administration claims were “diverting funds from core education priorities.”

A Shift Toward ‘Florida-First’ Hiring

DeSantis emphasized that Florida’s higher education system, ranked among the nation’s best, produces thousands of well-qualified graduates every year — enough to meet the state’s workforce needs.

“If any universities can’t find U.S. citizens to fill their roles, that’s not a talent problem — that’s a leadership problem,” the governor said. “They should reevaluate what they’re teaching and why their graduates aren’t being hired.”

The statement from the governor’s office also highlighted that universities are exempt from the federal H-1B visa cap, allowing them to hire foreign workers year-round. DeSantis argued that this exemption has been “exploited” to hire individuals for positions that do not truly qualify as “specialty occupations.”

Among the examples listed by the governor were computer application coordinators, assistant professors, and even an assistant swim coach from Spain — roles he said could easily be filled by Americans.

Florida: Public Jobs for American Workers

DeSantis drew attention to nationwide layoffs across major corporations, including Amazon and UPS, suggesting that many Americans are struggling to find work despite having strong credentials.

“When we have thousands of qualified citizens here in Florida losing jobs or underemployed, why are we bringing in foreign workers on taxpayer money?” he asked. “We’re going to make sure our public institutions serve the American workforce — not act as hiring agencies for foreign labor.”

The governor’s decision marks one of the most aggressive state-level moves against the H-1B visa program, long considered vital by universities seeking specialized international expertise. Critics of the policy argue it could harm Florida’s academic competitiveness and diversity, but DeSantis insists the policy will strengthen opportunities for local graduates.

Ensuring Compliance and Accountability

The Florida Department of Government Efficiency will oversee the implementation of the order, conducting periodic reviews to ensure universities are hiring legally authorized workers. Institutions found violating the directive could face financial penalties or cuts to state funding.

The administration described the move as part of a broader effort to “rebuild accountability, transparency, and fairness” in Florida’s education system.

“Every dollar of taxpayer money should go toward empowering Florida families, not subsidizing foreign labor pipelines,” the governor’s office said in a written statement.

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