Florida bans H-1B in higher education: 'Why do we need someone from China to talk about public policy,' asks Gov Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state's Board of Governors to cease the use of H-1B visas in colleges and universities. He asserted that these positions can and should be filled by American workers, questioning the necessity of foreign hires for roles like assistant professors and coaches. According to USCIS data, as of June 30, 2025, there are 78 H-1B employers and 677 beneficiaries in Florida's higher education sector.