The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning higher education, with a focus on performance metrics for state universities, the transfer of assets and liabilities between the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee and New College of Florida, and the establishment of a Disaster Preparedness Center at Florida International University. It revises performance-based metrics to include co-op programs alongside four-year graduation rates for engineering programs and defines what constitutes a "co-op program." The bill mandates a written joint transfer agreement for asset and liability transfers by July 1, 2026, requiring New College of Florida to assume the debt related to the Sarasota/Manatee campus facilities. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the Florida Center for the Partnerships for Arts Integrated Teaching to be located at the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee.

The bill also establishes the Disaster Preparedness Center at Florida International University, which will serve as a statewide hub for disaster preparedness and resilience training, developing evidence-based programs and providing technical assistance to governmental entities. Funding for the center will come from appropriations, grants, and donations, and it will collaborate with various agencies to enhance disaster readiness. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the Institute for Freedom in the Americas at Miami Dade College, modifies the approval process for out-of-state fees, and introduces new requirements for universities regarding enrollment projections and accountability plans. The bill aims to improve operational efficiency and educational outcomes for state universities and is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 5601E Filed: 1001.706, 1004.344, 1011.45, 1013.01
H 5601E e1: 1004.344, 1007.55, 1009.24, 1011.45, 1013.01
H 5601E er: 1004.344, 1007.55, 1009.24, 1011.45, 1013.01