Florida’s university system is weighing a policy that would bar public institutions from using the H‑1B visa program for new hires through Jan. 5, 2027. The Board of Governors planned to introduce the proposal for public comment at its Jan. 29 meeting after Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the board to end what he calls “H‑1B abuse.” The rule mirrors the governor’s earlier directive and would affect research universities that rely on H‑1B workers for faculty and research positions; federal data show large Florida campuses employed hundreds of H‑1B workers in fiscal 2025. University officials warned the pause could impede hiring of specialized STEM and medical researchers. The proposal highlights growing state‑level restrictions on international academic hiring and echoes federal moves such as last year’s steep H‑1B fee; higher ed leaders and associations have urged exemptions for campuses, arguing visa limits will hamper research, clinical services and student training.