Overview
Last updated May 26, 2026
In May 2026, the Florida Legislature approved a proposal to transfer facilities from the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida as part of the state budget process. USF will retain more than $22 million in operating funds. This recurring funding ensures the university can pay for a teach-out that allows current USF Sarasota-Manatee students to have an opportunity to finish their degrees on their home campus and will provide the resources for USF to retain all employees from the Sarasota-Manatee campus. According to the bill language, New College must assume full liability by Dec. 31, 2026, for any outstanding debt associated with facilities on that campus and must send monthly payments to USF for debt service while they are working to assume full liability. 
The proposal is not final until Gov. DeSantis signs the bill, which we anticipate he will do before the start of a new fiscal year on July 1, 2026. Should he sign the proposal into law, USF has created an initial list of FAQs, which will continue to be updated as more information is available.