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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed legislation requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, adopting a state-level version of the SAVE America Act.
The measure also imposes stricter voter identification requirements, part of what DeSantis described as an effort to strengthen election integrity.
“This bill protects and expands integrity in our voter registration process,” DeSantis said, according to NBC News. “Our Constitution in the state of Florida says only American citizens are allowed to vote in our elections, so we need to make sure that is the law.”
DeSantis also posted to X concerning his signing of the new law.
“For three election cycles in a row now, Florida has been the model for efficient, responsible, and transparent elections. Today, I signed the Florida SAVE Act to reinforce our commitment to election integrity and security,” the governor wrote.
Under the law, election officials will verify citizenship after voter registration. Residents who have already submitted documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate through driver’s license applications, will have their registrations automatically confirmed. Others will be required to provide proof within a set timeframe or risk removal from voter rolls.
The legislation also narrows acceptable forms of identification, eliminating some non-government IDs in favor of state-issued credentials.
DeSantis said the law builds on Florida’s existing election system, which he has frequently described as a national model.
“All you have to do is watch these elections and see how Florida performs. We’ve become the envy of the nation. Who would have thought that 25 years ago?” he said, referencing the state’s disputed 2000 presidential election.
Supporters say the changes reinforce public confidence and align with federal law, which prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. Critics, including advocacy groups, have filed legal challenges, arguing the requirements could create barriers for some voters.
The law reflects key provisions of the federal SAVE America Act, backed by Donald Trump, which remains stalled in Congress. Florida officials said the measure will take full effect after the next midterm elections.