University of Florida pulled the notice of intent to hire a financial analyst on an H‑1B visa, citing that the filing had been made without President Stuart Bell’s approval. The notice listed a $64,928 salary and an employment period from 2 February 2027 to 1 February 2030, and it had already been sent to the Department of Labor before the university realized the oversight. UF is known for employing the largest number of H‑1B workers among Florida’s public universities, making the error a glaring breach of state policy.
The decision follows the Florida Board of Governors’ March 2 vote that bars universities from hiring new H‑1B workers until January 5, 2027, while allowing renewals of existing contracts. Bell said, "This job was posted without my approval or authorization, and it has been removed," and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to Governor DeSantis’ directive.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who in October 2025 questioned the presence of international staff at universities, urged a focus on local talent. UF’s swift removal of the filing aligns with his broader push to limit foreign hires and emphasize American workers.
UF’s human‑resources chief noted the university will continue to comply with the governor’s mandate and will not file additional H‑1B labor condition applications until the ban lifts. The university is also reviewing its hiring protocols to prevent future violations.
The incident highlights the tightening federal scrutiny of H‑1B hiring and could set a precedent for other state schools navigating similar restrictions. UF’s compliance may serve as a model for institutions seeking to align with Florida’s immigration policy while maintaining academic staffing needs.