A major change to Florida’s higher education system is set to take effect after the Florida State Board of Education approved a new policy prohibiting undocumented students from enrolling in the state’s public colleges.

The rule applies to Florida’s 28 state colleges and requires all applicants to verify that they are either U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the country before they can be admitted. The board also voted to prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in adult education programs, including courses that prepare students to earn a General Educational Development (GED) diploma.

State officials say the policy aligns Florida’s college admissions process with the state’s broader immigration laws and is intended to ensure public education resources are available only to students who are legally present in the United States.

The decision has drawn criticism from education advocates and immigrant rights organizations, who argue the policy will prevent thousands of Florida high school graduates from continuing their education. Critics also warn the change could cost the Florida College System more than $15 million annually in lost tuition and fees.

According to estimates cited during the discussion, approximately 8,000 undocumented students graduate from Florida high schools each year, many of whom have lived in the state for most of their lives and had planned to pursue higher education.

With the vote, Florida becomes the fourth state in the nation to restrict enrollment for undocumented students at public colleges.

State leaders are also considering extending similar restrictions to Florida’s 12 public universities, though no final decision has been made.

The new policy marks another significant shift in Florida’s approach to immigration and education, adding to a series of recent measures aimed at tightening immigration enforcement across the state.