Florida

State Senator Randy Fine Files Bill to Repeal $45M Subsidy for Undocumented Students in Florida

Published

2 years ago

December 9, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida State Senator Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach) a candidate for Republican Congressman Mike Waltz seat has introduced Senate Bill 90 (SB 90), a proposal to repeal a 2014 Florida law that allows undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at Florida’s 12 public universities and 28 state colleges. This repeal could have a significant financial impact on state taxpayers, with the subsidy for in-state tuition costing an estimated $45 million annually, according to a 2021 report from the State of Florida.

“President Trump has made clear it is time to close the border and stop giving illegal immigrants rewards for breaking the law,” Sen. Fine stated. “While blue-collar Floridians are struggling to make ends meet, it is not fair to require them to pay $45 million a year to subsidize sweetheart deals for college degrees to those who should not even be here.”

SB 90 Aims to Repeal $45M Subsidy for Undocumented Students at Florida Colleges

Impact of the Current Law

Under the 2014 law, undocumented students can access Florida’s heavily discounted in-state tuition rates, which are nearly three times cheaper than the tuition rates for out-of-state students. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the in-state tuition for students at Florida’s universities averages $6,143, compared to the much higher rate charged to out-of-state students. For instance, at the University of Florida, in-state students pay $6,381, while out-of-state students pay $28,658, according to US News & World Report.

The proposal by Sen. Fine would not impact the admission policies of Florida’s universities and colleges. Instead, it would eliminate the in-state tuition rate for undocumented students, requiring them to pay the same rate as out-of-state students.

“Put Floridians First”: Sen. Randy Fine Pushes to End In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants

Why SB 90 Matters

If passed, SB 90 could free up $45 million annually in state resources that, according to Sen. Fine, could be reallocated to support Florida citizens and residents in need. “This is a no-brainer way to reduce the size of government and free up resources to help Floridians in need,” he added. “We must put Floridians first, and I am proud to do my part to rebalance the scales for our citizens.”

How Florida Compares Nationally

Florida is one of several states that allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition. According to a 2021 American Community Survey conducted by the American Immigration Council, Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of undocumented students attending college, following Texas and New Jersey. Nationwide, an estimated 408,000 undocumented students attend college.

What’s Next?

SB 90 will undergo committee reviews before advancing to the Florida Senate for a vote. If passed, it could have a significant impact on undocumented students and Florida taxpayers alike. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in on the implications of the proposed repeal.

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Florida

Alex Vindman Campaign Highlights New Endorsements, Fundraising in Florida U.S. Senate Race

Published

4 hours ago

July 10, 2026

FNN NEWS

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman is highlighting growing campaign momentum following a series of endorsements, strong second-quarter fundraising and recent polling showing a competitive race against Republican Ashley Moody.

Campaign Raises $8.5 Million in Second Quarter

Vindman’s campaign announced it raised $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2026 from more than 114,000 unique donors.

According to the campaign, the average contribution was $35, which it says reflects broad grassroots support as the Senate race intensifies.

Veterans Caucus Endorses Vindman

The Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida endorsed Vindman on July 10, citing his military service and leadership.

“Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alex Vindman has committed his life to serving our nation and protecting our freedoms,” said Democratic Veterans Caucus President Danny Fuqua. “During his 21-year Army career, he served presidents of both parties, and we know he will focus on representing Floridians, not special interests.”

Vindman thanked the organization and pledged to focus on lowering costs for Floridians, combating corruption in Washington and supporting veterans.

Debra Tendrich Announces Endorsement

On July 8, Lake Worth Beach Commissioner Debra Tendrich endorsed Vindman, describing him as an independent-minded leader who would prioritize Florida families.

“Floridians deserve leaders like Alex who will stand up for our interests,” Tendrich said.

Vindman contrasted his campaign with Republican opponent Ashley Moody, saying he would focus on reducing housing, insurance and utility costs while refusing contributions from corporate special interests.

State Sen. Tina Polsky Backs Campaign

State Sen. Tina Polsky became the latest Democratic lawmaker to endorse Vindman on July 6.

Polsky praised Vindman’s willingness to challenge corruption and said he would fight for affordable health care and lower costs for Floridians.

Vindman reiterated his campaign’s message that he will not accept contributions from corporate political action committees and will focus on addressing rising living expenses.

Competitive Senate Race

The campaign said multiple recent polls show Vindman running in a competitive contest against Republican Ashley Moody, setting the stage for one of Florida’s most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle.

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Central Florida News

Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.

The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.

Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago

Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.

The endorsing organizations include:

Florida AFL-CIO
Central Florida AFL-CIO
SEIU Florida
Florida Education Association
Orange County Fire Fighters Association
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
United Auto Workers
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
SMART Transportation Division PAC
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596

Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’

In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.

“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.

He added:

“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”

Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.

Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry

The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.

The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.

Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.

Competing Messages to Democratic Voters

Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.

Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.

The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.

Key Background

Samuel Vilchez Santiago

Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.

Daisy Morales

Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.

Race to Watch

Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.

With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.

The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Florida

DeSantis Announces Florida’s First Terrorist Organization Designations Under New State Law

Published

4 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that Florida will begin implementing new statutory authority to identify, designate and combat terrorist organizations operating within the state, marking the first use of powers granted under HB 1471.

The announcement follows the governor’s signing of HB 1471 earlier this year, creating a permanent legal framework allowing the state to designate terrorist organizations and establish enforcement mechanisms under Florida law.

“Last December, I signed an Executive Order to eliminate the influence of radical terrorist ideologies and the organizations that promote them in Florida. This year, I signed legislation to strengthen those protections and give Florida permanent statutory tools to combat terrorism while defending the Constitutional rights of our citizens,” DeSantis said.

“Today, we are officially designating terrorist organizations under Florida law. In addition to CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, we are adding Antifa to the list—along with more than 90 Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including cartels.”

State Expands Anti-Terrorism Efforts

According to the governor’s office, Florida has prioritized efforts to protect state institutions, safeguard constitutional rights and prevent foreign and extremist influence from taking root in the state.

In December, DeSantis signed an executive order directing state agencies to eliminate the influence of organizations identified by the administration as promoting radical terrorist ideologies. The order directed agencies to deny taxpayer funding, contracts, employment and other public support to designated organizations where authorized by law and instructed state and local agencies to use all lawful tools available to prevent such organizations from operating in Florida.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said identifying threats is critical to public safety.

“Keeping our community safe starts with identifying the threat,” Glass said. “The safety of our community is strengthened by that knowledge every day, and reinforced by the collaboration between our officers, our federal partners, and—most importantly—the people we serve.”

Key Provisions of HB 1471

Under the legislation, Florida:

Establishes a formal terrorist designation process through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Prohibits taxpayer-funded institutions from supporting or promoting designated terrorist organizations.
Ensures foreign or religious legal codes cannot supersede the U.S. or Florida constitutions in Florida courts.
Creates state enforcement mechanisms and criminal penalties for knowingly providing material support to designated terrorist organizations.

The law authorizes the governor and Cabinet to designate terrorist organizations based on recommendations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Chief of Domestic Security.

Organizations Recommended for Designation

Based on recommendations from Florida domestic security officials, DeSantis announced the intent to designate the following organizations under Florida law:

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Muslim Brotherhood
Antifa

State officials also recommended designating more than 90 federally recognized Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including:

Sinaloa Cartel
Tren de Aragua
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Cartel del Noreste
Gulf Cartel

What Happens Next

The proposed designations must be confirmed by the Florida Cabinet before taking effect under state law.

Once approved, state and local governments would be prohibited from providing taxpayer funding, contracts or other public support to designated organizations. Public colleges, universities, school districts and other publicly funded institutions also would be barred from using public resources to support or promote designated organizations.

Additionally, organizations designated under Florida law may be subject to dissolution as authorized by statute, and individuals who knowingly provide material support or resources to designated organizations could face criminal penalties under state law.

Source: Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

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