New College Set to Take Over USF Sarasota Campus by Year’s End
New College will take control of USF’s nearby Sarasota campus by December following state budget negotiations that initially faced Senate resistance over funding concerns.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA — New College of Florida will take over the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus effective December 31, 2026, following weekend budget negotiations between state lawmakers.
The land transfer agreement emerged from discussions between House and Senate budget negotiators, though the plan has not yet been formally voted upon. The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus is located less than one mile from New College’s current location.
Leadership Response to Transfer Plan
New College President Richard Corcoran, a former House Speaker, welcomed the proposed transition in a social media statement Tuesday. “New College is prepared to steward this transition with care and intentionality as we continue building a nationally distinctive public liberal arts institution focused on academic excellence, civic discourse, innovation, and student opportunity,” Corcoran said.
University of South Florida leaders also expressed support for the arrangement during Tuesday’s announcements.
Political Negotiations Behind the Deal
Governor Ron DeSantis and the House originally proposed the campus swap, but the Senate initially resisted the plan until the final days of budget negotiations. Senate Budget Chair Ed Hooper explained the legislative hesitation to reporters last week.
“I don’t think there’s heartburn over the transfer; the heartburn is over the money,” Hooper said.
The House ultimately abandoned its effort to redirect $20 million from USF’s budget to New College for operating the transferred campus.
Expansion Plans for New College
New College, which occupies 110 acres along Sarasota Bay, has actively pursued opportunities to expand its physical footprint. Last year, DeSantis proposed transferring the Ringling Museum from Florida State University’s oversight to New College, given the museum’s proximity to the campus, but that proposal did not advance.
The institution has also explored partnerships with other area organizations as part of its growth strategy.
The transfer represents a significant shift in Florida’s higher education, with New College positioned to expand its operational scope through the acquisition of USF’s regional campus facilities and programs.
