TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Republican Rep. Berny Jacques on Wednesday filed legislation that would limit the number of foreign students allowed to enroll in the state’s public colleges and universities, arguing the proposal is needed to ensure Florida residents are prioritized in admissions.
The bill, HB 721 would cap foreign students, defined as those who are not permanent U.S. residents, at no more than 10% of total enrollment at any individual Florida College System or State University System institution.
Jacques called on other lawmakers to support the bill during the upcoming legislative session.
“Today we filed HB 721 to limit people on student visas in our colleges and universities!” he said on his X account. “Our colleges and universities should be educating Floridians and Americans first. Florida’s public institutions were designed to serve our public, not citizens of nations abroad.”
Under current rules, the State University System limits nonresident students to 10% of enrollment across the entire system, but that cap does not apply to each university individually and does not specifically address foreign students. Jacques’ proposal would impose institution-by-institution limits and apply only to foreign students.
The lawmaker said the measure is meant to expand opportunities for Floridians and U.S. students seeking admission to public institutions.
“Our colleges and universities should be educating Floridians and Americans first,” Jacques said in a statement. “Florida’s public institutions were designed to serve our public, not citizens of nations abroad.”