Despite DeSantis opposition, Florida House passes university presidential search bill

DeSantis raised the possibility of a veto if the bill passes the Legislature.

Amid fierce opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida House on Wednesday approved revamping laws about leadership of the higher education system, including opening information about applicants to become college and university presidents.

The House voted 104-8 to pass the bill (HB 1321), which would repeal a 2022 law that provided exemptions to public records and public meetings laws for presidential searches. It also includes ending the state university system Board of Governors’ role in confirming presidential selections made by university boards of trustees and trying to limit the influence of the governor and other officials on presidential selections.

“We have a fantastic education system,” bill sponsor Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, said. “This is not about what we have. This is about showing the voters what we’re doing. This is about transparency in government.”

But DeSantis, during an appearance Tuesday in Pensacola, blasted the proposed changes and raised the specter of a veto if the bill passes. He said he needs to have authority to make sure universities “don’t run off the rails.”

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/04/16/university-president-searches-desantis-veto-usf-new-college/

Florida Republicans may finally be getting sick of DeSantis' high-handed attitude.