Informational, not legal or financial advice. Rules change and every school sets its own policies; confirm with your school and the agencies linked here. We are nonpartisan.

Part of our series: College-bound in Florida.

1. File the FAFSA early

The 2027–28 FAFSA, for classes between July 1, 2027 and June 30, 2028, can be filed starting October 1, 2026 at fafsa.gov. The federal deadline is June 30, 2028, but the form itself warns that state and college deadlines "may be as early as October 1, 2026," and some aid is first-come, first-served (2027–28 FAFSA form, studentaid.gov).

2. Apply for Bright Futures with the FFAA

Bright Futures is not automatic. Students apply with the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA). For the Class of 2027, the application window runs October 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, and the state's handbook says a student who misses the deadline "cannot receive the scholarship" (Bright Futures Student Handbook, Florida DOE). The state encourages filing even before you've met every requirement.

The state's 2026–27 requirement sheet lists, for the two main awards (FAS/FMS fact sheet, Florida DOE):

  • Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): 3.50 weighted Bright Futures GPA in 16 college-prep credits; 100 volunteer or paid-work hours (or a combination); test score of ACT 29 / CLT 95 / SAT 1330 for 2026–27 graduates, rising to 29 / 96 / 1350 for 2027–28 graduates.
  • Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): 3.00 weighted GPA; 75 volunteer hours or 100 paid-work hours (or 100 combined); ACT 24 / CLT 82 / SAT 1190 for 2026–27 graduates, and 25 / 83 / 1200 for 2027–28 graduates.

Test scores count if the test is taken by August 31 of the graduation year. To receive the award you must enroll in at least 6 non-remedial credit hours at an eligible Florida school. To keep it, FAS students need a 3.0 cumulative college GPA and FMS students a 2.75 (FAS/FMS fact sheet). Your school district must give 11th and 12th graders a Bright Futures evaluation report each year (s. 1009.531, F.S.); ask your counselor for yours. Students generally have 5 years after high school graduation to use an award.

3. If your family has Florida Prepaid

At a Florida public college or state university, the school bills Florida Prepaid directly each semester; families don't have to do anything. For a private or out-of-state school, the account owner must submit a School Authorization in the online account first, and the family pays any difference. Plans can be used starting the summer of the projected enrollment year and for 10 years after (Florida Prepaid Help Center).

4. Residency for tuition

In-state tuition requires that the student, or the parent of a dependent student, have kept legal residence in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of class (s. 1009.21, F.S.). Schools must verify it with documents, at least one from a list that includes a Florida driver license or ID card, voter registration, vehicle registration, or Florida high school transcripts for multiple years if the diploma was earned within the last 12 months. A Florida homestead exemption counts on its own. Every school has a residency appeal committee if you disagree with a decision.

5. Orientation

Once you commit, watch your school email and portal for orientation sign-up, housing, immunization records and placement steps. Orientation is usually where first-semester classes get scheduled, so sign up early. Dates and requirements differ by school; check your school's admitted-students page.

Quick checklist

  • FAFSA filed (on or after October 1)
  • FFAA filed for Bright Futures (by August 31 after graduation)
  • Test scores sent to a Florida public college or university, per the Bright Futures handbook
  • Residency documents ready
  • Florida Prepaid: School Authorization if attending a private or out-of-state school
  • Orientation and housing booked

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