A Miami judge has issued a temporary injunction halting the transfer of downtown land intended for former President Donald Trump’s presidential library. The order, delivered by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz, comes after local activist Marvin Dunn filed a lawsuit alleging that Miami Dade College failed to provide sufficient public notice before approving the property transfer.
The property in question, located at 500-540 Biscayne Boulevard, covers nearly three acres and is valued at approximately $67 million according to the Miami-Dade County property appraiser. It remains one of the last undeveloped sites in downtown Miami, surrounded by luxury condominiums, museums, and parks. Real estate experts suggest its market value could be much higher if offered for sale publicly.
Judge Ruiz stated that Miami Dade College “didn’t give the public reasonable notice ahead of the vote,” while clarifying that “the case was not rooted in politics.” The injunction will stay in effect until a final ruling is made or until Miami Dade College holds a new meeting with proper public notification.
The college’s board had voted on September 23 during an early morning session to transfer the land to a state-managed fund overseen by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet. Subsequently, state officials approved transferring it to a foundation responsible for developing Trump’s library. The group overseeing the project includes Eric Trump, Michael Boulos—who is married to Tiffany Trump—and attorney James Kiley.
Attorneys representing Dunn claimed that the agenda for the September 23 meeting lacked specifics about both the location and purpose of the deal. In contrast, lawyers for Miami Dade College argued that legal procedures were followed and warned that delays could cost the institution up to $300,000.
Other universities in Florida, such as Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University, were also considered as potential sites for the library. Earlier this year, state lawmakers passed legislation aimed at protecting these types of projects from objections raised by local governments.
