Florida approves ban on undocumented students enrolling at public universities

Florida has approved a new restriction that will prevent undocumented students from enrolling at certain public universities beginning in 2027. The state’s Board of Governors passed the rule unanimously on September 3, 2026, without debate.

The provision targets universities that did not admit all academically qualified applicants during the previous two years because they lacked available places. It will affect institutions including the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, the state’s two most sought-after universities, according to the information provided.

About 60,065 undocumented students currently attend higher-education institutions in Florida, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Students already enrolled at public universities will not be affected and may complete their degrees. The rule does not apply to private universities.

The board initially approved the proposal on June 25 with the public support of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. After a public-comment period, the board adopted the final version at Florida Gulf Coast University. Eight people spoke during public comments, and EFE reported that all asked the board to reject the proposal.

The decision extends Florida’s restrictions on undocumented students. In June, the state Board of Education adopted a similar measure covering its 28 public colleges and adult-education programs. Florida also ended reduced tuition for undocumented students in 2025. The state now joins Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina in blocking enrollment by students without legal status in some or all public higher education. Florida is the most populous of the four states with such restrictions.