Florida state officials have approved the transfer of a valuable parcel of land in downtown Miami to a foundation planning to build a presidential library for Donald Trump. The property, appraised at over $66 million, is located next to the historic Freedom Tower and was previously owned by Miami Dade College.
The decision was made on Tuesday by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet. They argued that dedicating the state-owned land for the library would serve the public interest and stimulate economic activity in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Florida officials voted to transfer nearly three acres of state-owned land in Miami for a future Donald Trump presidential library.
- The property is appraised at more than $66 million and is located on Biscayne Boulevard.
- The land was previously used as an employee parking lot by Miami Dade College.
- The Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, Inc., led by Eric Trump and others, will oversee the project.
State Officials Authorize Land Transfer
The formal approval for the land conveyance came during a meeting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside the Florida Cabinet, cast the deciding votes. Under the state's constitution, the transfer of certain state properties requires a collective decision by the governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and commissioner of agriculture.
Officials stated the primary motivation for the decision was the belief that a presidential library would provide a “greater benefit to the public” and “increase economic development activities.” This move is widely seen as a significant display of support for the former president from Florida's top Republican leadership.
The Foundation Behind the Library
Control of the property now passes to The Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, Inc. This private foundation is tasked with planning and constructing the archives and museum dedicated to Trump's presidency.
The foundation is managed by a small group of trustees, which includes Eric Trump, Michael Boulos, who is married to Tiffany Trump, and Trump attorney James Kiley. Following the decision, Eric Trump commented on social media, stating, “It will be the greatest Presidential Library ever built, honoring the greatest President.”
Legislative Groundwork
Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed a bill into law designed to facilitate the development of presidential libraries in the state. The legislation preempts the authority of local governments to block such projects, a measure aimed at preventing potential opposition from municipalities or counties that may not be politically aligned with the former president.
Details of the Miami Property
The parcel of land consists of nearly three acres in one of Miami's most desirable locations. It is situated along the palm tree-lined Biscayne Boulevard, a major thoroughfare known for its high-end residential and commercial buildings.
The property offers views of a waterfront park and is directly across the street from the Kaseya Center, the arena that is home to the Miami Heat basketball team. Until now, the land has been utilized by Miami Dade College as a surface parking lot for its employees.
A High-Value Parcel
An official appraisal valued the land at more than $66 million, reflecting its prime location in a rapidly developing urban core. The transfer represents a significant contribution of state assets to the private foundation.
A Location with Historical Significance
The chosen site for the potential library is adjacent to the Freedom Tower, a National Historic Landmark. The iconic Spanish Revival building has a deep connection to Miami's history, particularly its immigrant communities.
Originally the headquarters for one of the city's first newspapers, the Freedom Tower later became a crucial processing and assistance center for hundreds of thousands of Cuban refugees fleeing communism in the 1960s. It is now operated by Miami Dade College as a museum and is considered a powerful symbol of the city's heritage as a haven for immigrants.
Political and Community Context
The proximity to the Freedom Tower introduces a complex dynamic. The landmark has recently been a site for protests against some of Donald Trump's immigration policies, including his administration's crackdown on migrants and plans for mass deportations.
While Cuban Americans in Miami have been a strong base of support for Trump, his hardline stance on immigration has created tension within the community. Some long-time supporters have reportedly begun to question their allegiance, viewing the policies as a potential betrayal of the principles represented by the Freedom Tower.
The decision highlights the continued alignment of Florida's Republican leadership with Donald Trump, who has made the state his primary residence and the center of his political operations since leaving office.
Previous Sites Considered
Before the selection of the downtown Miami location, other sites in South Florida were reportedly under consideration for the presidential library. These included potential locations associated with two of the state's public universities.
Discussions had previously mentioned land connected to:
- Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton
- Florida International University in suburban Miami-Dade County
However, the downtown Miami site ultimately gained the approval of state officials, placing the future library in a high-profile, historically significant, and politically charged location.
