DeSantis seeks to bring Ringling Museum in Sarasota under control of New College

In his budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed transferring control of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art from Florida State University to New College of Florida.

Four paragraphs inside DeSantis’ budget bill for 2025 directs FSU to work with New College “in transferring all duties, responsibilities, and state financial obligations of the Ringling including but not limited to, the art museum, the Ca’d’ Zan, circus museums and the Ringling Museum of the Circus, to New College of Florida.”

On its website, The Ringling claims other assets, including Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library and the Historic Asolo Theater.