TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House on Tuesday approved a higher-education bill that would require preeminent state universities to reserve 95% of freshman seats for in-state students and cap foreign undergraduates from any single country at 5%, sparking debate over diversity and university finances.
The bill, HB 1279, passed 84-25, affects the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Florida International University, and, once certified, the University of Central Florida. Schools that fail to meet the 95% in-state target by 2030 could lose preeminent funding.
Supporters framed the measure as prioritizing Florida students. Rep. Berny Jacques, a Republican, told the chamber: “No Florida kid should lose a seat to a kid from Georgia, whether that’s the state or the country.”
Republican Rep. Kincart Jonsson added, “expanding opportunity […] does not lower standards. Excellence is not diluted by opportunity; it is sharpened by it.”
Rep. Alex Rizo, a Republican, said the bill ensures qualified Florida students have a seat ahead of others, while still allowing some out-of-state and international enrollment.
Opponents warned the bill could hurt diversity, reduce revenue from higher out-of-state tuition, and push top Florida students to schools outside the state. Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Democrat, argued it could cost universities millions in tuition revenue, while Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani said the state’s system already ranks highly, and questioned the need for changes.
The measure also updates technical aspects of university reporting, including performance metrics and Title IX compliance, and sets automatic penalties for noncompliance.
HB 1279 now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain path with less than two weeks remaining in the regular legislative session.