Florida’s 11 public universities could raise tuition as much as 15 percent a year under a new plan being back by Governor Charlie Crist.

The state’s five largest universities (Florida State University, University of Florida , University of South Florida, Florida International University and the University of Central Florida), can already raise rates without legislative approval.

In the past, Crist has been vocal about his opposition to tuition hikes and even vetoed a five percent increase just two years ago. Crist says Florida’s university presidents persuaded him to change his mind.

“Things evolve. Originally I opposed a bill that would have done that, and changed my mind and signed it, and it was after having good consultation with the people who stand with me today and the realization that you produce good jobs by having great education and great education needs to be available to Florida’s young people.”

Right now Florida’s universities have some of the lowest tuition costs in the nation.