The purpose of the State University System of Florida is to serve the needs of the state and society by providing high-quality higher education, innovative research, and public service through a coordinated system of institutions, each with distinct missions, collectively advancing civic principles, fostering world-class talent, and propelling Florida’s economic prosperity. As required by art. IX,s. 7(d) of the Florida Constitution, the State University System of Florida is governed by the Board of Governors. 

The Board of Governors is responsible for operating, regulating, controlling, and managing the university system and consists of seventeen members, fourteen who are appointed by the governor and three who serve by virtue of their offices.  

Each State University System institution has a 13-member local Board of Trustees dedicated to the purposes of the system. Boards of Trustees consist of six citizen members appointed by the governor, five citizen members appointed by the Board of Governors, the chair of the faculty senate (or equivalent), and the president of the student body of the institution. Boards of Trustees have the fiduciary responsibility for overseeing institutional operations, establishing cost-effective policies or regulations consistent with Board of Governors' regulations or guidelines, and implementing and maintaining high-quality educational programs in accordance with the institution's mission.

The State University System of Florida is comprised of 12 public institutions and more than 430,000 students. The system offers bachelor's, master's, specialist, professional doctorate, and research doctorate degrees. The Board of Governors maintains a complete list of all degrees available at State University System institutions on its website.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. Carnegie Classifications are used in research study design to ensure adequate representation of sampled institutions, students, or faculty. State University System institutions are categorized into the following Carnegie Classifications.

• Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production. Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and University of South Florida.
• Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University of North Florida, and University of West Florida.
• Research University. Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Institution with an Arts and Sciences Focus. New College of Florida.
• Institution with a Technology, Engineering, and Sciences Focus. Florida Polytechnic University.

Section 1001.7065, Florida Statutes, establishes academic and research excellence standards for the Preeminent State Research Universities Program and gives the Board of Governors the authority to establish standards and measures for identifying state universities of distinction. 

• Preeminent State Research Universities. Each state university that annually meets at least 12 of the 13 academic and research excellence standards is designated a preeminent state research university. Preeminent state research universities submit five-year benchmark plans with target rankings on key performance metrics for national excellence. Upon meeting benchmark plan goals annually and approval from the Board of Governors, each preeminent state research university is awarded a proportionate share of any funds provided annually to preeminent state research universities.
• Emerging Preeminent Research Universities. Each state university that annually meets at least 7 but fewer than 12 of the 13 academic and research excellence standards is designated an emerging preeminent state research university. 
• State Universities of Distinction. The State Universities of Distinction program identifies non-preeminent state research universities that focus on one core competency unique to the State University System and achieve excellence at the national or state level; meet state workforce needs; and foster an innovative economy that focuses on areas such as health care, security, transportation, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including supply chain management.

The Board of Governors is encouraged to identify and grant all reasonable, feasible authority and flexibility to ensure that each designated preeminent state research university and each designated emerging preeminent state research university is free from unnecessary restrictions.

The funding information listed below is provided by Transparency Florida. Additional funding information can be obtained on the State of Florida Fiscal Portal or by contacting the system. Performance funds are awarded to State University System institutions based on a funding model approved by the Board of Governors and outlined in s. 1001.92, Florida Statutes. The model uses clear, simple metrics that align with strategic plan goals, reward excellence or improvement, and acknowledge the unique missions of the different institutions.

Information on the system's performance may be found in its Strategic Plan.

OPPAGA Reports and Presentations
A complete list of OPPAGA reports and presentations is available on our website.

Other Reports
State University System of Florida, Accountability Plans
State University System of Florida, Allocations Summaries
State University System of Florida, Expenditure Analysis
State University System of Florida, Operating Budget Reports
State University System of Florida, Performance-Based Funding
A complete list of Florida Auditor General reports is available on its website.

Websites of Interest
Institute for Higher Education Policy
NASPA FirstGen Forward
State Higher Education Finance
The Institute for College Access & Success

Article IX, s. 7 of the Florida Constitution and Chs. 1001, Part IV and 1004, Part II and ss. 20.155, 1008.322, 1009.24, and 1011.40, Florida Statutes

State University System of Florida Contact Website
State University System of Florida
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1950
(850) 245-0466
Website