State Senator Randy Fine (R-FL) has announced his intention to reintroduce legislation that would end college tuition subsidies for illegal immigrants attending Florida state colleges and universities. The bill, SB 90, would reverse a 2014 state law that applies to 40 of the Sunshine State's institutions of higher education which currently gives undocumented migrants tuition breaks.
State Sen. Fine shared that he will refile the bill as soon as the filing period opens. This move comes in response to Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) calling for a special session focusing on illegal immigration which begins the week of Jan. 27 in Tallahassee.
In 2021, the State of Florida reported that the tuition break subsidy for illegal immigrants cost taxpayers $45 million.
State Sen. Fine said his bill will "end the handouts" for those who are undocumented attending Florida schools.
“Governor DeSantis and I have had our differences, but one thing we have both wanted to do for years is end the $45 million in handouts for illegal immigrants that attend our world-renowned colleges and universities,” said Fine. “I am excited that as I prepare to leave the Legislature for Congress, we will be able to work together to get this done. It is immoral that Americans from the other 49 states pay more to attend Florida’s colleges and universities than illegal immigrants. And it is appalling that we ask Floridians to pay $45 million a year to facilitate it.”
Moreover, according to Fine's press release, SB 90 does not attempt to change admission policies for state schools, but would "simply eliminate the subsidized rate" which has been adhered to since 2014.
“This is a no-brainer way to reduce the size of government and free up resources to help Floridians in need. We must put Floridians first, and I am proud to do my part to rebalance the scales for our citizens,” concluded Fine.
State Sen. Fine will likely be the next U.S. Congressman from CD 6, replacing Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL). Rep. Waltz was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump (R) for National Security Security and is expected to be confirmed. Fine is the Trump-endorsed candidate in a reliably Republican district.
