Sarasota Classic Car Museum agrees to four-month lease extension

In mid-May, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum was faced with the prospect of having to relocate some 3,000 pieces of memorabilia, including more than 150 vehicles, and find a new home for it all in less than six weeks. 

For now, though, the museum remains open at 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, albeit in less space. 

To facilitate anticipated growth and the potential addition of an athletics program, on May 16 property owner New College of Florida gave written notice of lease termination to the operators of what is recognized as the second-oldest continuously operating classic car museum in the country. The museum would have had to vacate the 55,000-square-foot space within three weeks.

On July 5, the parties entered into a short-term lease extension that gives the museum four months to vacate the premises, including conditions that immediately make a portion of the space available to New College.

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Owned by Martin Godbey and his son, Blake, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum operates as a nonprofit, accepting donations and holding fundraisers to meet expenses. The Godbeys could not be reached for comment.

The lease extension calls for the museum to continue to pay $10,042 per month in rent, but for less space. Godbey was required to make available by July 10 “the theatre room, offices adjacent to the theater room, front entrance portico including bathrooms, as well as the entire free-standing structure on the east side of the property.” The museum was given an additional 14 days to remove lifts that were in the immediate occupancy area.

Additionally the lease reads: “Godbey hereby waives all defenses to an eviction proceeding and consents to an immediate eviction judgment in favor of NCF, including damages, fees and costs, if any of the following occur: Godbey does not vacate the immediate occupation area by July 10, 2023; Godbey does not remove the lifts in the immediate occupation area by July 24, 2023; or Godbey does not vacate the balance of the property at the expiration of the forbearance term.”

Meanwhile, the museum continues to operate as it consolidates its space and the Godbeys seek a new location. On the museum’s home page at SarasotaCarMuseum.org is a plea for donations to move the collection.