The bill introduces significant changes to the governance and operational structure of Florida's higher education system, particularly focusing on the composition and responsibilities of university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors. It establishes new residency requirements for board members, mandating that they be U.S. citizens and either residents of Florida or graduates of a state university, effective January 6, 2027. The bill also revises financial disclosure requirements for certain Board of Governors members, modifies term limits for the State Board of Education and Florida College System institution boards, and allows trustees to serve until a successor is appointed. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the Board of Governors to confirm university president selections and outlines a new process for appointing university presidents through a search committee.

Moreover, the bill enhances transparency and accountability by requiring state universities to post program admission criteria online and prohibiting public opinion surveys related to candidates for office. It mandates that universities organize a minimum of four public policy events each academic year to ensure diverse perspectives are represented. The bill also clarifies the definition of auxiliary enterprises, allowing university boards to determine their self-supporting status and facilitating the transfer of funds between these enterprises, with annual reporting to the Board of Governors. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with some provisions becoming effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
S 1726 Filed: 1001.64, 1001.70, 1001.706, 1001.71, 1004.098
S 1726 c1: 1001.64, 1001.70, 1001.71
S 1726 c2: 1001.64, 1001.70, 1001.71, 1001.93, 1004.89, 1011.47