On January 7, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis reappointed UF Board of Trustees members Richard Cole and Rahul Patel. Both individuals have extensive records of political donations to far-right and Republican political committees, raising concerns about the politicization of university governance.

The OpenSecrets profile reveals that the University of Florida reported $1,169,473 in campaign contributions and $736,000 in lobbying expenditures during the 2024 cycle. Notably, about 1 in 4 of its lobbyists have previously held government positions, suggesting close revolving-door ties that could influence democratic accountability.

The University of Florida, as part of Florida's state university system, is complying with a 2023 state law that requires the termination of existing agreements and partnerships with entities from nations labeled as 'countries of concern' (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria). This move, prompted by political and ideological pressures, restricts international academic collaborations and impacts the institution's global engagement.

The University of Florida issued a threat of suspension and banishment from campus against pro-Palestinian student protesters who violated a set of protest rules, an action that raises serious concerns about the suppression of free speech and academic freedom.

The University of Florida closed its Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated 13 DEI positions and 15 administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts. The university also reallocated approximately $5 million into a faculty recruitment fund, signaling a rollback of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

On March 2, 2024, the University of Florida released an administrative memo announcing the firing of all DEI positions, including the chief diversity officer, in response to a state ban on using public funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision prompted student protests and an open letter from various student groups decrying the move as a step away from fostering an inclusive campus environment.

The House Higher Ed budget includes $10 million for the University of Florida's Hamilton Center for Classical & Civic Education, a conservative think tank, reflecting support for conservative educational initiatives through state funding.

The University of Florida received $3 million in unrequested funding to establish the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education—a new civics program with conservative links. State Sen. Keith Perry and a lobbyist with ties to conservative organizations orchestrated the funding push, while the newly appointed director, a contributor to the Federalist Society, assured that outside groups would not directly influence the curriculum. This development raises concerns about potential ideological influence on academic independence.

The University of Florida barred three political science professors from serving as expert witnesses in a Florida voting rights case, citing conflicts of interest as a state actor. Critics describe the move as an infringement on academic freedom and free speech, arguing it constitutes a politically motivated act to avoid conflict with state interests.

In fall 2021, the University of Florida administration blocked requests by several faculty members to serve as expert witnesses in litigation challenging a controversial voter-suppression law. This measure, justified under a conflict-of-interest policy, was later condemned in court as preemptive subservience to political pressures, undermining academic freedom.