(The Center Square) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week a memorandum of understanding between the University of Florida and the University of St. Andrews to collaborate on research, faculty and student exchanges, and economic initiatives.
The U.K. is one of Florida’s key international economic partners with over $4.1 billion in bilateral merchandise trade last year, according to the governor’s office. Florida exported $1.3 billion in goods to the U.K. in 2025 and U.K exported $2.8 billion in goods to Florida.
The U.K. is also the state’s largest international investment employer, accounting for approximately 1 in 5 international investment jobs in Florida.
“This new partnership between the University of Florida and the University of St. Andrews opens new doors for technology and life science advancements,” said DeSantis. “By increasing our collaboration, Florida continues to position itself as the world destination for innovative research and technological solution development.”
This week’s MOU builds on another one signed in 2023 with U.K. Secretary of State of Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch. The 2023 MOU was critical for building connections in trade, along with forming educational and commercial ties.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has continued to prioritize academic partnerships—one of the key pillars of the 2023 UK-Florida MOU,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This new partnership established today between the University of Florida and the University of St. Andrews will be a platform for academic and research collaboration and enhance the already strong relationship between Florida and the UK.”
DeSantis’ visit to the U.K. also saw members of his delegation tour robotics facilities, healthcare technology, grain-to-glass brewing and distilling, and quantum technology facilities. The delegation visited James Hutton Institute to learn more about research in crop science, soil health and other innovations in agriculture, according to the governor’s office.
“This agreement provides our institutions with remarkable opportunities to advance our missions in research and education. As one of the elite universities in the UK, the University of St. Andrews is an amazing partner for UF,” said David P. Norton Ph.D., Vice President of Research, University of Florida
Florida has positioned itself as the U.K.’s commercial gateway to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Southeastern United States, the governor’s office said. Bilateral merchandise trade has grown by 20% since 2019 between Florida and the U.K.
“Keeping Florida’s supply chain strong requires continuous innovation and collaboration, especially with our international partners,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “The knowledge gained and relationships built throughout this mission will help advance maritime logistics, improve our supply chain, and support the next generation of transportation solutions.”
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