In 2012, the Florida Legislature initiated plans to dissolve the USF branch campus and reform the Lakeland institution into an independent school.

The same year, USF's trustees renamed the campus University of South Florida Polytechnic, reflecting a new focus on STEM education.

[14][15] Like the acquisition of the new campus, the proposed split was controversial in some quarters, as it came during a tight budget year and was unpopular with USF students and faculty.

The strategic plan requires the State University System to increase STEM degree production from 9,605 to 22,500 per year by 2025.

[30] Curricula and classroom facilities are designed to facilitate hands-on, applied learning, and degree programs are focused on preparing students for STEM-related careers.

The inaugural class of students at Florida Poly had an average incoming GPA of 3.9 and test scores of 1350 on the SAT and 25 on the ACT.

[41] Florida Poly collaborates with more than 100 corporate, government and non-government organizations that provide guidance on curriculum development, assist with research and offer internship opportunities.

The FIPR institute supports phosphate-related studies to improve the environment, protect public health and increase mining and processing efficiency.

AMI is not only unique to the state, but also one of the largest university centers specialized on the narrow area of testing and verification of AV technology in the country.

Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the building includes 94 robotic louvers on the roof that move to accommodate changing sunlight patterns.

[46][47] Florida Poly's IST Building includes a bookless library where students can access more than 135,000 digital titles on their choice of reader, tablet or laptop.

[48] Students still have access to librarians and a reference desk to receive tutoring, resources and training to manage digital materials.

On March 29, 2023, Florida Polytechnic University announced the broken ground on Residence Hall III, a five story, 137,000 square foot facility with 430 beds in one, two and four bedroom suites, which was completed on September 10, 2024.

"[56] Historically, the convention has catered to the self-professed "geek" culture by including aspects of video games and comics, often of the science fiction genre.