Florida's Latest News

Could a bill requiring E-Verify requirement for all Florida businesses pass this year?

A Florida lawmaker will try again to require all businesses, no matter how small, to use E-Verify, the federal online system that allows employers to confirm whether new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Rep. Berny Jacques, a Seminole Republican, filed his bill (HB 197) on Oct. 16. A similar bill he filed last session died, but Jacques believes his measure's chances of success are better in the 2026 legislative session that begins in January.

Here's why: President Donald Trump has ramped up his promise of mass deportation and added restrictions to visas for international workers.

Over the summer, the Trump administration deployed federal agents across the country, partnering with state and local law enforcement to detain hundreds of thousands of immigrants for removal from the United States. In August, roughly 60,000 people were in ICE detention on any given day, up from fewer than 40,000 people this time last year.

Florida Poly creates operations center in partnership with Lakeland cybersecurity firm

Florida Polytechnic University and tech company Sittadel are teaming up to develop a security operations center on the Lakeland campus.

Leaders from both organizations formalized the partnership by signing of a memorandum of understanding Oct. 20 at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center.

Florida Poly and Sittadel, a cybersecurity firm based in Lakeland, will create and operate the center to produce advanced cybersecurity defenses to meet market needs while preparing graduates to excel in the rapidly evolving field, Florida Poly said in a news release. Security operations centers serve as specialized hubs that protect digital assets by continuously monitoring, detecting, investigating and responding to cyber threats, the release said.

Sittadel will provide operational and technical support, while Florida Poly will contribute campus space, institutional support and additional resources, the release said. The partnership will also generate hands-on learning pathways through capstone projects, internships and mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen workforce readiness in the cybersecurity field.

Jacksonville University President Tim Cost to leave top slot, but remain as Chancellor

Jacksonville University President Tim Cost will step down from the top slot at the private college on the First Coast next year, but will remain heavily involved in the institution.

JU announced that Cost has agreed to leave the presidency and become Chancellor of the school in the Summer. Cost took over as President of JU 14 years ago

An alum who was a JU Dolphin baseball player and standout pitcher when he attended the school more than four decades ago, Cost left an executive position with PepsiCo and took the helm at the campus on the banks of the St. Johns River in Northeast Florida.

“President Cost’s exemplary leadership over the past 14 years has transformed our university in remarkable ways,” said Jacksonville University Board of Trustees Chair John Miller.

“Under his guidance, we’ve enjoyed growth in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, developed countless strategic partnerships in and outside of our community, and elevated our profile both in the region and beyond. The Board is grateful for his extraordinary commitment as President and his dedication to students, and we are confident he will help further advance our mission and expand our impact as Chancellor.”

USF Board of Trustees unanimously selects Moez Limayem to be its next president

Moez Limayem is one step closer to becoming the University of South Florida's ninth president.

The USF Board of Trustees unanimously selected its sole finalist on Tuesday. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors, the body that oversees the state university system.

It's expected they will discuss the appointment at their next meeting scheduled for Nov. 5-6.

A USF spokesperson said Limayem's start date will be finalized after the vote.

The final contract, which the board chair will negotiate with the president-elect, will also need approval from the Board of Governors.

The contract is set to last for a five-year term, which can be extended or terminated. Annual compensation is not to exceed $2.4 million, according to terms laid out during the meeting.

"I just really believe that Moez is the right leader at the right time, and we're just completely aligned on our priorities," said Michael Griffin, Board of Trustees vice chair. "He's ready to go day zero, and that's what we need — and candidly, that's what we deserve."