Florida public universities freeze H-1B hiring until Jan 2027 following DeSantis criticism of visa program; exemptions possible for critical worker shortages

Florida public universities to pause hiring new H-1B workers until end of the year

Published March 3, 2026 at 5:05 AM EST The Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's university system, approved a freeze on Monday, putting a pause on hiring new faculty through the federal H-1B program until Jan. 5, 2027.Board member Kimberly Dunn and student representative Carson Dale dissented. Employers use the program to hire foreign professionals with at least a bachelor's degree when positions are hard to fill with U.S.-born workers.The H-1B visa is valid up to three years a...