Governor Ron DeSantis directs Florida Board of Governors to take action against H-1B visa abuse and announces repurposing of millions in DEI funding
Tampa, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis today took decisive action to address what he describes as widespread misuse of H-1B visas in Florida’s higher education system while simultaneously announcing a major review and redirection of millions of dollars in DEI-related grants across the state. The moves are part of a broader effort to prioritize American graduates and ensure taxpayer funds are spent in compliance with state and federal law.
“Universities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job,” Governor DeSantis said. “We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions. That’s why I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice.”
Under the new directives, Florida universities and institutions are required to prioritize American graduates and ensure that taxpayer-funded schools serve the domestic workforce rather than importing foreign labor for positions that could easily be filled by qualified U.S. citizens. H-1B visas, which are intended to fill specialty occupation roles, have allegedly been exploited by some universities to hire foreign employees year-round because higher education institutions are exempt from federal H-1B caps.
Governor DeSantis’ actions come alongside a statewide review of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) grants, led by Florida DOGE in coordination with the Federal DOGE, the State University System, and participating institutions. This review identified millions of dollars in grants that either violated state and federal law or were deemed an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds.
Several grants totaling more than $33 million were either canceled or repurposed. Among the canceled grants were:
• $1.5 million for “Challenging Anti-Black Racism in Civil and Environmental Engineering Curriculum,” aimed at integrating environmental justice and equity-focused curriculum in civil engineering.
• $1.3 million for “Mobilizing Physics Teachers to Promote Inclusive and Communal Classroom Cultures Through Everyday Actions,” which focused on equity practices for women and minority racial groups.
Other grants were repurposed to focus on eligibility based on financial need rather than race or ethnicity, aligning with federal guidelines and ensuring that funding benefits a broader student population. Examples include:
• $1.5 million previously focused on historically marginalized students in STEM, now targeting students based on financial need.
• $700,000 National Science Foundation grant expanded from exclusively black students to all students, regardless of race or background.
Within the Florida College System, over $10.6 million in grants were also repurposed or canceled. Examples include:
• $454,000 for programs aimed at underrepresented populations in drone work and avionics.
• $750,000 for STEM scholarships previously reserved exclusively for minority students.
Governor DeSantis emphasized that these steps ensure taxpayer dollars are used appropriately, reflecting the state’s commitment to legal compliance and equitable access without race-based restrictions. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to ensure Florida’s institutions are transparent, accountable, and focused on serving the American workforce.
As Florida universities and colleges implement these changes, the state will continue monitoring compliance with H-1B hiring practices while directing funding to programs that benefit students based on need rather than race or ethnicity. Officials noted that these actions signal Florida’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, workforce development, and adherence to state and federal law.
With these measures, Governor DeSantis’ administration is sending a clear message that Florida will prioritize American workers, ensure proper use of public funds, and hold higher education institutions accountable for following both the letter and spirit of the law.
