FL H7129

Establishes the "State Universities of Academic and Research Excellence and National Preeminence Act" creating section 1001.765, Florida Statutes to form a collaborative partnership between the Board of Governors and Legislature for elevating Florida's highest-performing state research universities.

Authorizes state research universities meeting at least 11 of 14 specified academic and research excellence standards to set student tuition and fees at differentiated and market rates, with increases capped at once per academic year beginning in fall term, subject to Board of Governors and university board of trustees approval.

Establishes 14 measurable standards for university national preeminence including: minimum 3.8 GPA and 1800 SAT scores for incoming freshmen, top 50 national rankings, 90% freshman retention rate, 70% six-year graduation rate, $200 million annual research expenditures, 100+ patents, 250+ doctoral degrees annually, and $400 million endowment.

Requires universities to maintain fees at appropriate levels to meet debt service obligations and provides special provisions for prepaid tuition contracts and budget authority procedures for fiscal year 2012-2013 and beyond.

Permits qualifying universities to require incoming first-time students to complete a 9-to-12-credit set of university-specific courses and encourages the Board of Governors to grant additional flexibilities to improve program rankings.