The Florida House of Representatives has voted to pass HB 1279, a bill that would require the state’s preeminent public universities to reserve 95% of freshman seats for in-state students and limit international undergraduates from any single country to no more than 5% of enrollment.
The measure targets preeminent institutions — currently the University of Florida, Florida State University,
University of South Florida, and Florida International University, with the University of Central Florida expected to join once certified — raising the in-state reservation from the current 90% cap that applies systemwide.
Compliance would be measured as a three-year average, with non-compliant schools risking the loss of additional preeminent state funding starting in 2030.
The bill also imposes the 5% per-country cap on non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent resident enrollment at all state universities (excluding graduate students) and includes provisions requiring students to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present to receive state financial aid.
Additional elements update university performance metrics, Title IX reporting, and other technical requirements, while setting automatic penalties for noncompliance.
Sponsor Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, R-Lakeland, described the legislation as a “Florida first” priority to ensure more in-state students gain access to top public universities.
Supporters, including Rep. Berny Jacques, argued no Florida student should lose a spot to out-of-state or international applicants. Rep. Alex Rizo, R-, emphasized the bill secures seats for qualified Florida residents while permitting limited out-of-state and international enrollment.
Opponents, primarily Democrats, raised concerns about reduced campus diversity, potential revenue losses from higher out-of-state and international tuition rates, and risks that top Florida talent could seek opportunities elsewhere.
Rep. Ashley Gantt, D-, warned of millions in lost tuition revenue for universities. Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-, questioned the changes, noting Florida’s university system already performs strongly nationwide.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where no companion measure has advanced through committees. With less than two weeks left in the 2026 regular legislative session, its prospects remain uncertain in the GOP-controlled upper chamber.
