Florida House Advances Bill to Limit Non-Resident Enrollment at Top Universities

Legislation would reserve 95% of fall slots for Florida resident students at preeminent state universities

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Florida House Budget Committee is advancing a bill that would significantly limit the number of out-of-state and international students admitted to the state's top public universities. The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, aims to prioritize Florida residents in admissions at schools like the University of Florida, Florida State University, and others.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is a response to concerns that too many seats at Florida's preeminent universities are going to out-of-state students, leaving qualified in-state applicants overlooked. Supporters argue the state's top public universities should prioritize educating Florida students, who are more likely to stay and contribute to the state's economy after graduation.

The details

Under the bill, preeminent state universities would be required to reserve 95% of fall enrollment slots for first-time Florida resident students, based on a three-year average. The legislation also caps international student enrollment at 5% per university and requires financial aid recipients to be U.S. citizens or legally present in the country. The sponsor estimates the changes could create a $54 million budget hole, but expressed confidence the state could fill the gap.

  • The House Budget Committee advanced the bill on February 10, 2026.

The players

Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson

A Republican state representative from Lakeland who sponsored the bill to limit non-resident enrollment at Florida's preeminent universities.

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell

A Democratic state representative who questioned the sponsor about how colleges and universities would offset the revenue lost from reduced out-of-state enrollment.

Rep. Demi Busatta

A Republican state representative who voiced support for the bill, saying it comes down to "who should we be subsidizing in our higher education system."

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What they’re saying

“Our Florida preeminent universities are built and funded by Florida's taxpayers. Their first priority should be to educate Florida's students first.”

— Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Bill Sponsor (floridapolitics.com)

“We need to make sure we're taking care of Florida students first.”

— Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Bill Sponsor (floridapolitics.com)

“It comes down to who should we be subsidizing in our higher education system.”

— Rep. Demi Busatta (floridapolitics.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Florida House for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects an ongoing debate in Florida over balancing access for in-state students and the financial benefits of enrolling out-of-state and international students at the state's top public universities. The outcome could have significant implications for the makeup of the student bodies at these institutions.