Florida State University Retains Control of Ringling Museum for the Time Being

In a recent development in Florida’s cultural and educational landscape, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota will continue to be managed by Florida State University (FSU) following a decision by state lawmakers to abandon a proposal that sought to transfer the museum to the New College of Florida (NCF). This proposal was part of a budget initiative that faced significant opposition from various stakeholders, including Sarasota residents, former Ringling board members, and a collective known as Citizens to Protect the Ringling.

The Ringling Museum, established in 1927, is Florida’s official state art museum and boasts a collection exceeding 10,000 pieces. It has been under FSU’s management since 2000, contributing to its status as one of the largest university-linked art museums in the US.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis had incorporated the transfer proposal into his preliminary fiscal plan for 2025–2026. This initiative was tied to DeSantis’s broader influence over the New College of Florida, which has witnessed a conservative shift, prompting significant changes in governance, mass departures of faculty, and regulatory concerns.

However, the concerted opposition led by Citizens to Protect the Ringling, highlighting potential taxpayer burdens and threats to the museum’s integrity, played a crucial role in preventing the proposed transfer. The group effectively mobilized thousands of supporters and garnered legislative backing, notably from Republican Senator Jim Boyd, to ensure the museum remained with FSU.

This episode reflects a broader discussion about governance, public accountability, and cultural stewardship in Florida, underscoring community influence in shaping policy outcomes.