New federal regulations that could affect thousands of foreign students throughout the state are complicating Florida universities' plans to reopen campuses in the fall.

State university officials on Tuesday were scrambling to figure out the full implications of a regulation issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday that will not allow foreign students to stay in the country if they only take online classes during the fall.

"The implications are significant," University of Florida International Center Dean Leonardo A. Villalón said in an email Tuesday. "We are currently seeking clarity on some aspects of the guidance while also working on how UF will be able to comply so as to ensure that our international students can continue to make good progress toward their degree."