Florida Passes Voting Bill Requiring Proof of Citizenship

Critics say the new requirements could disenfranchise thousands of voters, especially young people.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:50pm

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Republican state lawmakers in Florida have passed a bill that would require voters to verify their citizenship when registering and limit the forms of identification they can present at the polls. The bill, which is modeled in part on President Trump's SAVE America Act, has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue it will result in the removal of many eligible voters from the rolls.

Why it matters

The proposed law would make Florida the most populous state to impose proof-of-citizenship requirements on voters, a key goal for President Trump as he seeks to maintain Republican control of Congress. Critics say the new requirements could disenfranchise thousands of voters, especially young people who tend to lean Democratic.

The details

Under the bill, Floridians would have to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when they register to vote. Every existing voter's citizenship would also be verified against government databases. If no citizenship document is found, the voter would have to bring proof to their county elections office to stay registered. The bill would also no longer allow voters to use college IDs or those provided by retirement homes to identify themselves at polling places.

  • The bill passed the Florida State House on March 12, 2026 in a 77-28 vote.
  • The bill cleared the Florida State Senate earlier the same day.
  • The new requirements would not take effect before this year's midterm elections.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who said he supports the legislation.

Erin Grall

A Republican state senator from Vero Beach who sponsored the bill.

Tina Polsky

A Democratic state senator from Boca Raton who criticized the bill for disenfranchising young voters.

Donald Trump

The former president whose SAVE America Act, which imposes strict voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements nationally, served as a model for the Florida bill.

John Cornyn

A Republican senator from Texas who is seeking Trump's endorsement in a runoff election.

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What they’re saying

“This is about the integrity of our elections. It is something that puts greater trust into our system.”

— Erin Grall, Republican state senator (Florida Senate floor debate)

“This is just saying to any out-of-state students or students in Florida who do not drive, 'We do not want your vote.' That is absolutely terrible.”

— Tina Polsky, Democratic state senator (Florida Senate floor debate)

What’s next

The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has indicated he will sign it into law.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader push by Republicans, led by former President Trump, to impose stricter voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements across the country. Critics argue these measures disproportionately disenfranchise young, minority, and low-income voters who tend to lean Democratic.