The Florida State University Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors approved on March 27 the transfer of City of Tallahassee-owned hospital assets to Florida State University.
This decision marks a significant step in FSU’s efforts to expand its academic health system, known as FSU Health. The move is intended to improve healthcare services, increase research opportunities, and strengthen medical education in the region.
The approval follows a March 11 vote by the Tallahassee City Commission that agreed to transfer ownership of city-owned hospital assets to the university. “This is the first major step in building FSU Health and taking a big step toward improving healthcare, but also building clinical, biological and biomedical research for Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough during the Board of Trustees meeting. “It’s a big deal, and we appreciate all the help we’ve gotten from everybody in the leadership of Florida State University as well as support from the board.”
With these approvals from local government, university trustees, and state authorities now secured, the transfer process is fully authorized. Under this agreement, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) will serve as the clinical anchor for FSU Health. While FSU will own the hospital property, TMH will continue operating under a long-term lease arrangement and remain responsible for patient care, employees, and daily operations.
University officials say this partnership will allow for expanded medical education programs while also supporting clinical care improvements and new research initiatives throughout Tallahassee and North Florida. The collaboration builds on previous joint projects between FSU and TMH—most notably construction of an FSU Health Research Center located on TMH’s campus that aims to bring together clinicians, researchers, and students when it opens later this year.
Leaders from both institutions have emphasized that TMH’s mission will not change following this transition; deed restrictions approved by city officials require continued charity care services at the facility while ensuring it remains operated as a hospital.
