BOG to Address H-1B Concerns Next Year, Textbook Transparency

(FLORIDA, UNITED STATES) The Florida Board of Governors said it will take up concerns about the use of H-1B visas in state universities early next year, after Governor Ron DeSantis ordered higher education leaders to end the practice, arguing the focus should be on hiring U.S. workers. Meeting at the University of South Florida on November 6, 2025, the Florida Board of Governors outlined a short timeline for next steps and, in a separate action, approved a “textbook transparency” rule that requires professors to post all assigned materials well in advance of each semester.

Next steps on H-1B review

Chancellor Ray Rodrigues told attendees that the issue will return to the agenda at the Board’s next meeting in January 2026, with more detail expected at that time. He said the Board has already started internal talks with the governor’s staff, university presidents, and faculty leaders to address the directive and plan a path forward.

The discussion follows Governor DeSantis’s call to, as he put it, “pull the plug” on H-1B hiring in higher education — a move the administration says is meant to prioritize positions for American workers across the state’s public campuses.

• The Board did not adopt an immediate policy change on H-1B visas at the November meeting.
• Instead, it set the stage for continued review in the coming weeks and focused on laying out a process that includes coordination with university leadership and faculty.
• The Board oversees the State University System and often shapes broad policy for hiring and academics, which is why its approach matters to campuses and employees across the state.

Why timing matters

H-1B visas are widely used by employers to hire people in specialty occupations that usually require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and they have long been part of university staffing for teaching and research roles.

• Many institutions set hiring plans months in advance. A January discussion will coincide with departments preparing offers for fall 2026 and finalizing spring staffing.
• That timing places pressure on academic leaders to plan around possible changes, since recruiting cycles, contract renewals, and departmental budgets frequently span multiple semesters.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, changes affecting H-1B hires in public institutions tend to ripple through recruiting cycles and budgets, reflecting how personnel planning in higher education stretches across time.

“Internal conversations are underway to ensure that the directive and any resulting measures are clearly communicated and workable for the university system,” Rodrigues said, noting coordination with the governor’s office, university presidents, and faculty.

Legal and administrative context

While immigration policy is run at the federal level, states and public university systems can set their own hiring rules, which can affect how and when departments sponsor candidates.

• The Board’s comments did not address federal processes or forms.
• No technical guidance was issued at the meeting.

For official information about the federal program itself, readers can review U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidance on H-1B visas at the agency’s website: H-1B Specialty Occupations.

Any state-level shift would need to align with federal law while reflecting the governor’s priorities for the public higher education system.

Textbook transparency: the new rule

In a unanimous action, the Board approved a “textbook transparency” regulation that requires professors to post assigned textbooks and instructional materials 45 days before the first day of class.

• The rule aims to make it easier for students to plan and manage costs.
• By locking in reading lists earlier, students can shop for deals, tap buyback options, and check library access before classes begin.
• University administrators said early postings may help departments coordinate across sections and reduce last-minute changes that frustrate students.

The Board framed the textbook rule as part of a larger push to increase openness around academic resources. Supporters say it could reduce surprise fees and help families budget better. Practically, departments will likely need to adjust course planning schedules so that materials are identified and approved in time to meet the 45-day requirement.

Stakeholder concerns and outstanding questions

Governor DeSantis’s directive on H-1B visas has drawn attention because public universities often recruit internationally for specialized roles. The governor’s language to “pull the plug” suggests an intent to curb or halt new sponsorships in the system, though the Board emphasized it is still discussing the details and will revisit the matter in January.

Key questions stakeholders are watching for include:

• Will any change apply only to new hires, or also to current employees?
• How would exceptions be handled for hard-to-fill positions?
• What timelines or transition provisions would departments use to adjust hiring plans?

The Board has not yet provided those specifics.

Implications and outlook

The venue and timing underlined the stakes: meeting at the University of South Florida, one of the state’s research hubs, the Board faces a short window to craft guidance before the next hiring wave.

• Work has begun with the governor’s office, university presidents, and faculty — signaling an effort to coordinate any changes with those who manage faculty contracts and staffing.
• Supporters of a stricter approach argue public universities should prioritize American workers first.
• Others counter that some programs rely on global talent where the domestic applicant pool is thin.

No immediate changes were announced for students or current staff beyond the newly adopted textbook rule. Still, campuses will likely prepare for potential adjustments if the Board sets new parameters in January. Because academic calendars and contracts run on set cycles, even small policy changes can affect scheduling, budgeting, and course coverage.

Bottom line: H-1B visas in Florida’s public universities are under review, with the Board promising more detail in January 2026, while textbook transparency is moving ahead with a firm 45-day posting requirement designed to help students plan and pay for course materials. University leaders, faculty, and students will be watching the Board’s next session closely to see how the discussion translates into policy during the first weeks of the new year.