Session Highlights

With one minute to spare, the Florida Legislature adjourned sine die at 11:59 PM on Friday, March 9, 2012. A total of 2052 bills were introduced, although only 292 passed both chambers.

There was good news and bad news for Florida higher education in the 2012 session. Despite a sagging economy and a Legislature facing significant budget deficits, the Florida College System fared well, maintaining current levels of state operating support and receiving additional funds for facilities operations and specific college projects.. The $70 billion dollar budget included a 2.8 percent increase for the Florida College System over the previous year’s budget, and both the House and the Senate agreed to a 5 percent tuition increase. The Governor has the option to accept or reject the proposed tuition increase. However, if he uses his veto pen, Florida Statute provides College Boards of Trustees with the ability to increase tuition based on the consumer price index, which is 3 percent this year.

The state universities faced a far more volatile session, absorbing an almost $300 million reduction in base funding, expected to be replaced by using fund balances and significant tuition increases. Two universities were granted permission to charge market value for tuition. In addition, the Legislature agreed to the creation of a 12th state university.   [Continue]