Gov. DeSantis speaks at groundbreaking for University of Florida's Hamilton School

UF, state leaders break ground on new Hamilton School

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke Wednesday at the groundbreaking for the Hamilton School at the University of Florida.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday spoke at a groundbreaking at the University of Florida. 

The event was for the university’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. 

‘A meaningful restoration’

What they're saying:

The school will move into the historic UF Infirmary building, which will be renovated.

"In partnership with the state of Florida, we’re preserving the original structure while preparing it to serve a new generation," the school website states. "It’s a meaningful restoration—and a sign of our commitment to using public resources wisely."

The school website also shows concept art for the transformation, which will include seminar rooms and a lecture hall and event space. 

The work is expected to be completed by fall 2027, according to the university. 

Earlier this week, Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canaday announced he would be stepping down from the bench to become the next head of the school starting in 2026.

"I also want to congratulate Justice Charles Canaday for being named the next leader of the Hamilton Center," DeSantis said at the event. "I think he’s just like a home-run choice. First of all, he’s got a tremendous academic pedigree, having graduated from Yale Law School. He’s also been the intellectual on the Florida Supreme Court."

The university also announced that the Hamilton School had received a $5.5 million investment from philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin. The money will be used to fund new scholarships and graduate fellowships, according to UF. 

DeSantis also touted the affordability of Florida’s public universities. 

"We have the top public university system in the country," DeSantis said. "We have the cheapest for tuition."

"I do think it’s important that young people have the opportunity to get a great education without having a hundred thousand dollar millstone around their neck in the form of all this student debt," he said. 

You can listen to DeSantis' remarks in the player at the top of the article.