‘Jobs should go to locals’: Governor orders end to H-1B hiring at Florida universities

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state’s Board of Governors to phase out the use of H-1B visas across public universities, arguing that jobs currently held by visa holders should go to Florida residents instead.

Speaking at the University of South Florida in Tampa, DeSantis said the move was meant to ensure that Florida citizens are “first in line for job opportunities.” He instructed state universities to prioritize hiring local talent over foreign workers employed through the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire skilled professionals from abroad.

According to DeSantis, a state review found several university staff working on H-1B visas in various roles — including assistant professors, coordinators, analysts, and employees in athletics and communications. He questioned whether such roles genuinely required expertise unavailable within Florida’s workforce.

“Why are we bringing people in on H-1B visas to evaluate our accreditation? Can’t our own people do that?” he asked, calling the practice a form of “cheap labor” and urging universities to reexamine their recruitment practices.

The review revealed that H-1B visa holders at Florida universities came from countries such as China, Spain, Poland, the UK, Canada, and Albania. Among them were a bio-analytical core director, psychologist, communications manager, and coastal research specialist.

This announcement follows new guidance issued by the US Department of Homeland Security regarding the proposed $100,000 H-1B application fee. The department clarified that the fee will not apply to individuals changing to H-1B status from other visa categories, such as F-1 student visas, nor to those seeking amendments, status changes, or extensions within the U.S. Current H-1B holders will also continue to be allowed to travel freely.

Last week, the White House reaffirmed that President Donald Trump’s administration remains committed to prioritising American workers in H-1B visa reforms and pledged to defend its policy against multiple legal challenges, including one filed by the US Chamber of Commerce.