The ruling marks a win for transparency advocates as questions swirl around the college’s handling of the land deal
Miami’s skyline may be ever-changing, but one proposed addition just hit a major legal roadblock. A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge has halted Miami Dade College (MDC) from transferring its valuable downtown property to the state for a planned Donald Trump presidential library, a controversial project that’s been quietly advancing for months. The injunction means Miami Dade College must keep the land — a 2.6-acre parcel near the Freedom Tower — until the court issues a final decision.
The plot thickens
A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge has temporarily blocked Miami Dade College from transferring its valuable downtown Miami property to the state for a proposed Donald Trump Presidential Library, citing concerns that the school’s trustees may have violated Florida’s Sunshine Law by failing to give adequate public notice before voting on the land transfer. The injunction halts the deal — which had advanced rapidly through two government boards led by Governor Ron DeSantis — until the court reaches a final ruling. The case, brought by historian Marvin Dunn, has drawn widespread attention amid growing political tension in Florida, where transparency, state influence, and development interests continue to collide in high-profile public projects.
A fight over transparency and public trust
The lawsuit, filed by historian and retired professor Marvin Dunn, argues that the college’s Board of Trustees violated Florida’s Sunshine Law when they voted on the land transfer without clearly notifying the public of the meeting’s purpose.
Judge Mavel Ruiz sided with Dunn — for now — saying there’s a strong likelihood he’ll win his case. “The court does not believe that the notice was reasonable,” she ruled, citing the vague public notice that only mentioned “potential real estate transactions.”
The decision puts a temporary stop to the transfer, which would have handed the property — purchased by Miami Dade College for $25 million in 2004 — to a state board led by Governor Ron DeSantis at no cost. That board quickly voted to give the land to Trump’s library foundation with the only condition that construction begin within five years.
Community voices and political ripples
The proposal sparked protests across downtown Miami, led by Dunn and supported by residents and activists concerned about transparency and the loss of public assets. Critics argue that a public college shouldn’t hand over taxpayer-funded property for political purposes.
Miami Dade College officials claim the lawsuit is politically motivated, while Dunn insists it’s about fairness and public accountability. “It’s about the law and the people’s right to know,” he said.
As Miami continues to grow and redevelop, the case raises deeper questions about who gets to shape the city’s future — and under what terms.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of civic engagement and transparency in Miami’s decision-making process.
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