The final Republican presidential debate before Florida's winner-take-all primary next week was a somber affair.

Missing were vulgar statements and back-and-forth squabbled that made the Republican Party's first 11 debates something of a reality TV show. John Kasich, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Republican front-runner Donald Trump stuck to policy; they averted from personal attacks, instead focusing on topics pertinent to the Sunshine State.

Rubio, the state's senator and once-favorite to win Tuesday's primary, received praise for his performance and continued defiance of Trump. Whether it resonated with registered voters may either make or break his campaign going forward.

Rubio Takes on Trump

The Cuban-American senator entered Thursday night's debate, where he is generally viewed favorably by constituents.

Rubio's goal was to sway Florida Republicans leaning in Trump's direction by attacking his foreign policy, specifically Trump's immigration plan and recent comments he made about Islam.

Earlier in the week, Trump told CNN's Anderson Cooper that Islam hates the United States. On Thursday, he clarified that "I mean a lot of them."

"There is tremendous hatred and I'll stick with just what I told Anderson Cooper," Trump said.

Rubio retorted by saying that every comment a president makes has consequences around the world. Trump then accused Rubio of being politically correct.

"I'm not interested in being politically correct. I'm interested in being correct," Rubio replied.

Moderator Hugh Hewitt asked Trump where he stood in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and whether he would stay neutral if the Palestinians continued attacking their neighbors.

Trump said there is no one more pro-Israel than him, citing his participation in an Israeli parade and the fact that his son-in-law and grandchildren are Jewish.

"I would like to at least have the other side think I'm somewhat neutral as to them, so that we can maybe get a deal done," Trump said. "Maybe we can get a deal. I think it's probably the toughest negotiation of all time."

Rubio pounced on the opportunity to attack Trump's lack of foreign policy experience.

"The policy Donald has outlined, I don't know if he realizes, is an anti-Israeli policy. Maybe that's not your intent but here's why it is an anti-Israeli policy," Rubio said. "There is no peace deal possible with the Palestinians at this moment. There just isn't."

Immigration Reform

Immigration was a prevalent topic during Wednesday night's Democratic debate, though liberal candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both said they would not deport any of the 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S.

Republican candidates didn't share the sentiment, telling a Miami community with a large Latino population, they would restrict pathways to citizenship.

Kasich and Cruz each vowed to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, the latter adding that he would triple border security, end sanctuary cities, and end welfare benefits for anyone living in the country illegally.

"We need to redefine our legal immigration system so that it meets the needs of the American economy," Cruz said. "Right now, we're bringing in far too many low-skilled workers. What that is doing is driving down the wages of hard-working American. Our system isn't working."

Rubio said he supports businesses that hire foreign workers, as long as they first look to American workers. He said businesses caught violating H1B visa laws -- which allow for guest workers -- should be prosecuted.

"If a company is caught abusing that program, they should never be allowed to do it again," Rubio said.

Trump, for his part, said he benefited from the H1B visa program, though he believes it's something he should be allowed to use.

"It's very bad for business in term of - and it's very bad for our workers and it's unfair to our workers. And we should end it," Trump said.

Memorable Quotes

"So far, I cannot believe how civil it's been up here." - Trump, on how candidates stuck to policy over inflammatory attacks

"Someone my age would retire at 68. My kids would retire at 70. If we don't do anything, we will have a debt crisis." - Rubio, on the need for entitlement benefit reform

"We've never targeted innocent civilians, and we're not going to start now." - Cruz, referring to Trump's insinuation that he would target terrorist families

"I don't know if Cuba's going to sue us. If they sue us in a court in Miami, they're going to lose." - Rubio, on Cuba possibly suing the United States over reparations

"Putin has been a very strong leader for Russia. I think he has been a lot stronger than our leader, that I can tell you." - Trump

"I may be running for president of Croatia if it weren't for immigration." - Kasich, on the importance of immigration reform

"I watched them intensely. Even though it's a very, very boring thing to watch." - Trump, referring to Wednesday's Democratic debate