The Senate has slowed the momentum on a House-backed proposal to transfer the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida. On Monday, the Senate Appropriations Committee adopted a “delete everything” amendment to HB 5601, removing the transfer from the bill before advancing it. The original measure had passed the House 76-28.

The campus transfer has become a sticking point in budget negotiations. The House plan, aligned with Gov. Ron DeSantis, would move all USF Sarasota-Manatee property and facilities to New College by July 1 and shift $22.47 million in recurring funding from USF to New College. The Senate is saying no so far.

Last week, more than 300 people showed up at a "Save USF-SM event" to show their support, speaking up about lost jobs, programs and opportunities for the local economy and aspiring students if USF-SM—an institution that has served Sarasota and Manatee for 50 years—disappears. More than 135 people submitted comments to Florida lawmakers after the meeting to express their support, many writing that without the local campus of USF it would have been impossible to receive a college degree.

In an opinion piece this week, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan opposed the measure, saying both institutions have value and should remain independent. The Manatee Chamber of Commerce has also sent a statement to lawmakers, making the case that USF-SM is a talent pipeline and the local source for degrees in business, nursing, education, accounting, healthcare and hospitality.

“A reduction in degree programs that feed the workforce needs of Manatee/Sarasota would hurt our economy, businesses, and residents,” wrote Justin Phillips, chair of the chamber board.

Laurey Styker, former president of USF-SM, said the bill now goes into conference where the House and Senate will try to reconcile differences. The 2026 Florida Legislative session ends March 13.

To learn more, go to SaveUSFSM.org