Florida
State Senator Randy Fine Files Bill to Repeal $45M Subsidy for Undocumented Students in Florida
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
DeSantis’ New Florida Congressional Map Could Spark Lawsuits, Legislative Showdown, and Statewide Protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map that could significantly reshape Florida’s representation in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposal, released Monday, outlines districts that could favor Republicans in 24 seats, compared to four Democratic-leaning districts. Currently, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat.
REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL & POLITICAL IMPACT
The governor said the new map reflects Florida’s population changes and fulfills his commitment to mid-decade redistricting. Lawmakers have been called into a special legislative session to consider the proposal.
The map appears to eliminate four Democratic-held seats, including a Tampa-area district represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an Osceola County district held by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto—the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida—and a Palm Beach-Broward district that could displace U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
The proposal also affects a majority-Black voting district spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties, previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, raising concerns about the future of minority representation.
Supporters, including Evan Power, say the map could better align districts with voter distribution. Critics, including Nikki Fried, have called the proposal unconstitutional gerrymandering. Florida law prohibits partisan gerrymandering, setting up potential legal challenges.
Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
LOOKING BACK: 2022 PROTESTS OVER REDISTRICTING
The current debate mirrors tensions from 2022, when Democratic lawmakers staged a sit-in protest on the Florida House floor in opposition to a previous congressional map backed by DeSantis.
Lawmakers including Yvonne Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson, and Daisy Morales participated in the protest, temporarily halting legislative proceedings.
Morales, a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee and the only Hispanic lawmaker involved in the sit-in, strongly criticized the map at the time.
“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said in a written statement. “Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice—the Black vote—doesn’t matter.”
She also warned about potential impacts on Hispanic representation:
“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned it could target the only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress, Darren Soto, to benefit partisan interests. We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”
WHAT COMES NEXT IN 2026
As lawmakers prepare to debate the new proposal, Democrats are expected to push back through legal challenges, legislative opposition, and public advocacy.
The outcome of Florida’s redistricting battle could play a pivotal role in shaping control of the U.S. House and influence the national political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
