The Florida Board of Governors has approved the 2025-2026 State University System Operating Budget, allocating $645 million to Performance-Based Funding and $40 million for preeminent universities. The budget also includes $6 million in funding for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) program, which will be distributed among 24 proposals from 10 state universities.
“The approval of the State University System Operating Budget includes key funding that will maintain Florida’s position as a national leader in higher education,” said SUS Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Performance-Based Funding ensures that our institutions are constantly evolving to provide students with the highest quality education, and investment in preeminence supports academic and research successes that contribute to the rise of our state universities in the national rankings.”
“Thank you to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and support from the Florida Legislature for investing in higher education year after year, allowing our Board of Governors to advance the initiatives of the System’s strategic plan, which includes strengthening the talent pipeline for Florida’s workforce needs,” said Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb. “The State University System of Florida continues to expand partnerships within the healthcare sector to combat the nursing shortage. The growing network of collaboration between our institutions, healthcare systems, and hospitals throughout the state not only increases the capacity of our nursing programs but also creates the lasting impact of providing exceptional care for Florida communities.”
Established in 2022, LINE is a competitive grant initiative offering matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis when participating institutions partner with healthcare providers. This program is intended to boost collaboration addressing demand for nurses across different regions in Florida. The funds can be used for scholarships, hiring faculty, buying equipment, or supporting simulation centers aimed at expanding nursing education.
The latest round of LINE funding will benefit proposals from ten public universities: Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, University of Florida, and University of West Florida.
The Board also reaffirmed its dedication to promoting civil discourse on campuses through public policy events held at all twelve state institutions during each academic year.
