Florida Lawmakers Reach Agreement on USF Sarasota-Manatee Transfer to New College

Florida lawmakers have reached an agreement on a proposal to transfer the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida as part of the state budget process, now heading toward final approval later this week.

The proposed transfer has been under discussion for months after Gov. Ron DeSantis included the plan in his recommended 2026-27 state budget. The agreement would place the 32-acre Sarasota-Manatee campus under New College control while requiring the institution to assume responsibility for related debt tied to the property.

According to reports tied to the budget negotiations, current USF Sarasota-Manatee students would be allowed to complete their degrees at the campus. However, the proposal would prevent new students from enrolling at the Sarasota-Manatee location under USF in the future.

The campus has historically served as a regional branch of the University of South Florida system and has operated near New College for decades. The institutions share a long history dating back to the 1970s, when New College temporarily operated within the USF system before later becoming an independent public liberal arts honors college for the state of Florida.

Debate surrounding the proposal has drawn attention from higher education leaders, students, alumni and local residents throughout the Sarasota-Manatee region. Supporters of the transfer have pointed to opportunities for expansion and consolidation, while opponents have expressed concerns about student access, institutional identity and the future of higher education offerings in the region.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the final state budget package before the close of the special legislative session later this week.