Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Chartered in 1851, it is located on Florida's oldest continuous site of higher education.
Former names: Florida Institute (1854–1857) · Tallahassee Female Academy (1843–1858) · West Florida Seminary (1857–1860; 1865–1901) · The Florida Military and Collegiate Institute (1860–1865) · The Literary College of the University of Florida (1883–1885) · University of Florida (1885–1903) · Florida State College (1901–1905) · Florida Female College (1905) · Florida State College for Women (1905–1947)
Motto: Vires, Artes, Mores (Latin)
Motto in English: "Strength, Skill, Character"
Type: Public research university
Established: January 24, 1851
Parent institution: State University System of Florida