Florida Passes Strict Voter Citizenship Verification Bill

Measure heads to Governor DeSantis' desk for expected signature

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:34pm

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The Florida legislature has passed a strict elections bill requiring voters to verify their citizenship when registering, modeled after the federal SAVE Act championed by former President Trump. The bill, which passed largely along party lines, is expected to be signed into law by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader push by Republicans to tighten voting rules across the country, citing concerns over election integrity. However, Democrats and voting rights groups argue the new requirements will create unnecessary barriers and make it harder for some Floridians to cast a ballot.

The details

The Florida bill, approved by the GOP-controlled state House and Senate, would mandate that voters provide proof of citizenship when registering. It also prevents college students from using their student IDs to vote in person, though that provision wouldn't take effect until 2027. The measure is similar to the federal SAVE Act, which has stalled in the U.S. Senate.

  • The Florida bill was passed by the state House on March 13, 2026 in a 77-28 vote.
  • The bill was previously approved by the state Senate on March 13, 2026 in a 27-12 vote.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Republican Governor of Florida, who is expected to sign the new voter citizenship verification bill into law.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who has strongly championed the federal SAVE Act, which inspired the Florida legislation.

LaVon Bracy Davis

A Democratic state Senator from Orlando who argued the bill will create barriers for many Floridians.

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What they’re saying

“Although Florida has already enacted much of what the federal legislation contemplates, this will further fortify our state as the leader in election integrity.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida (Social media)

“This bill creates real barriers for everyday Floridians, especially those with the fewest resources. It will disproportionately impact working families, seniors, and college students who want to exercise their voice and right to vote.”

— LaVon Bracy Davis, Democratic state Senator (Social media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing partisan battle over voting rules, with Republicans pushing for stricter requirements to address concerns over election integrity, while Democrats argue the new measures will make it harder for some Floridians to exercise their right to vote.