Florida Universities to Ban Undocumented Students Starting 2027-28

Florida's Board of Governors voted unanimously Wednesday to prohibit undocumented immigrants from enrolling at the state's 12 public universities, effective with the 2027-2028 academic year.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins defended the decision, arguing that state taxpayers should not fund educational opportunities for students in the country illegally. "This is common sense policy," Collins said, noting the move aligns Florida's university system with restrictions already in place for public colleges and technical education programs across the state.

The policy applies to all students who lack legal authorization to reside in the United States. Students already enrolled will be permitted to finish their degrees under grandfather provisions, but new admissions will be restricted beginning in fall 2027.

The decision reflects Florida's broader push to limit public benefits and services for undocumented immigrants. The state's community college and technical school systems implemented similar restrictions in recent years. University officials did not immediately detail how the policy would be enforced or what documentation students would need to provide to verify their immigration status.

Education advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact on Florida's workforce development and the state's competitiveness in attracting talent, though the Board of Governors proceeded without dissenting votes.