What's New

• Florida Legislative Session 2008 Updates
• Florida Legislative Session 2007C Updates
• Florida Medallion Scholars May Receive 100% Funding at Community Colleges
• Bright Futures Updates

Student Quick Links

• First-Time Applicants
• Initially Awarded Student Information Page
• Renewal Students
• 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

How and When Does a Student Apply?

Students must apply during their last year in high school or forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship.

• A student who receives a Bright Futures award and attends an out-of-state postsecondary institution and then returns to Florida to complete his/her education within three years may apply for reinstatement of the original award.
• An initially eligible student who enlists in the United States Armed Forces immediately after high school graduation will begin the three-year eligibility period for his/her initial award upon the date of separation from active duty.
• In order to receive funding for a Florida Bright Futures award, a student must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.  The postsecondary institution the student attends is responsible for making residency and citizenship determinations.

To Be Considered for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship a Student Must:

1. Apply for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship by completing the Initial Student Florida Financial Aid
   Application (FFAA)* during his/her last year in high school.  A student may apply online at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org beginning December 1st of his/her last year in high school.  This application gives the Department of Education (DOE) permission to evaluate his/her high school transcripts for eligibility for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
2. Earn a Florida standard high school diploma or its equivalent. **
3. Not have been found guilty of, or plead nolo contendere to, a felony charge.
4. Meet Academic Requirements for the award.

* The demographic information a student provides on the FFAA will be used to retrieve and evaluate his/her high school transcript.  If the demographic information provided on the FFAA does not match the demographic information on his/her high school transcript, he/she will not receive an official Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program evaluation.  A student may use his/her report card or contact his/her high school to assist in verifying this information.  Additional documentation is required for Home Education, GED, and out-of-state applicants.  This application is easy to complete and applicants receive an immediate response.

FFAA applicants will receive a User ID and PIN for the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) Web site.  A student will access the OSFA Web site at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org to monitor the status of his/her Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application.  It is the student's responsibility to check the status of his/her application and award.  It is also the student's responsibility to inform us of any changes.  Call toll-free at 1-888-827-2004 with questions.

** Note: For other diploma options established by legislative sessions, visit www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org/SSFAD/bf/acadrequire.htm