On Monday, Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill allowing students who came into the United States illegally to enjoy in-state tuition rates. Scott ran for governor four years ago with a tough stance against illegal immigration, leading some to believe that the governor is looking to sway Latinos before the impending election.

The Associated Press reported that Scott argued that the move was done to make college affordable. In addition to changing rates for undocumented immigrants, which AP reported is four times higher than it is for residents, the bill also prevents most state universities from charging higher tuition than that set by the state legislature.

"Signing this historic legislation today will keep tuition low and allow all students who grew up in Florida to have the same access to affordable higher education," Scott said in a statement.

Scott was against the bill in 2011, however, which makes some question his motives. Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, has called Scott's change of heart a "remarkable turnaround." Meanwhile, democrats who supported the bill years ago call Scott's change of heart a "deathbed conversion."

House Speaker Will Weatherford, on the other hand, says the move was merely about policy.

"We were righting a wrong," the republican said. "I think it's a reflection of the leaders in Tallahassee who recognize there was an injustice taking place in society."

Scott's backing of the bill isn't the governor's only apparent attempt to lure Latino voters. He also launched a radio ad in Spanish this week and one on television at the end of April. Scott also has a Spanish website and a communications shop. According to Jaime Florez, Scott's Hispanic communications director, the initial buy is "only the first of many to come."

Because of his past, it may take more for Scott to win over Latino voters. Four years ago, Scott said there was a need to "secure the borders" and supported tough illegal immigration enforcement like that seen in Arizona. Last year he vetoed a bill giving temporary driver's licenses to some undocumented young people. He has also supported the embargo against Cuba.

Annette Taddeo-Goldstein, chairwoman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, said that voters will not be persuaded by an "election year ploy."

"At the end of the day I don't think it's going to work because as Hispanics we remember," she said.

Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

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