Undocumented students in Florida are facing new and increasing barriers to higher education. Over the past year, the Florida state legislature and Board of Governors have taken steps limiting undocumented students’ access to in-state tuition and restricting their ability to enroll in the state’s public colleges and universities.
In February 2025, the state legislature repealed its in-state tuition bill, against recommendations from advocates. In June 2026, the Florida State Board of Education adopted a rule requiring institutions in the Florida College System to verify applicants’ US citizenship or lawful presence, effectively barring undocumented students from enrolling in Florida state and community colleges. This rule was followed by another regulation limiting admission to the state’s public universities. Collectively, these policies pose a significant barrier to undocumented students’ access to higher education in Florida.
Implementation of the regulations may vary across institutions. For additional information, review this resource from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the National College Attainment Network (NCAN).
We encourage counselors to familiarize themselves with resources that can support prospective and continuing students, including:
TheDream.US Scholarships: Scholarship information for eligible students, including students considering out-of-state options.
College Corner from the Presidents’ Alliance: A supportive space where counselors can receive policy updates, access resources, and develop strategies to help undocumented students pursue college pathways.
Find more information on the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.