What's New

• Florida Legislative Session 2011 Updates and Legislative History
• Eligibility and Award Information by High School Graduation Year

Student Quick Links

• View Student Financial Aid History
• 2010-11 High School Graduates
• 2010-11 High School Graduates Renewal Info
• 2009-10 High School Graduates
• 2008-09 High School Graduates and Earlier
• First-Time Applicants
• Initially Awarded Student Information Page
• Renewal Students
• Required Hours for Renewal
• Eligible Colleges and Schools
• Award Amounts
• Summer Funding
• Frequently Asked Questions

Administrator Quick Links

• High School Guidance Counselors
• Resources for Postsecondary Institutions
• Comprehensive Course Table

General Requirements to Receive Bright Futures Awards

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, as determined by the student's postsecondary institution.
• Apply for a scholarship from the program by high school graduation.
• Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Be accepted by and enroll in an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary education institution within 3 years of high school graduation.  If a student enlists directly into the military after graduation, the three-year period begins on the date the student is separated from active duty.
• Not have been found guilty of, or plead nolo contendere to, a felony charge, unless the student has been granted clemency by the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Executive Office of Clemency.
• Be enrolled for at least 6 semester credit hours (or the equivalent in quarter or clock hours).
• NEW - The submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now an annual requirement for Bright Futures eligibility.  Note:  The student’s FAFSA does not have to indicate need; however, must be complete and processed error free prior to a student’s first disbursement of an award.  (The Florida State Programs May 15 deadline does not apply to Bright Futures.)  Visit the website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for online processing.

Note: A student must earn at least 24 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) if enrolled full time for the entire academic year. A student enrolled full time (12 or more semester hours or the equivalent) for only one term must earn at least 12 semester hours for that term. If a student is enrolled part time for any part of the academic year, the student must earn a prorated number of credit hours.

• A student enrolled three-quarter time (9-11 semester hours or the equivalent) for a term must earn at least 9 semester hours for that term.
• A student enrolled half-time (6-8 semester hours or the equivalent) for a term must earn at least 6 semester hours for that term.
• See also, Required Hours for Renewal.

A student must reimburse the postsecondary institution for the cost of course(s) dropped or withdrawn after the initial drop/add period. Non-refunded hours may affect the student's renewal eligibility.