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Florida Residency Guidelines for Tuition Purposes

The following guidelines are provided for those persons who are claiming Florida residency for tuition purposes (in-state tuition). These requirements supersede all previously published information and are in compliance with Section 1009.21, Florida Statutes, and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.044.

Statute allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes if the applicant or the dependent applicant's parent/legal guardian has been a legal resident of the State for at least 12 months preceding the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought. 

  • All applicants for admission and re-admit must complete a Residency Classification.
  • Applicant must provide proof of dependence or independence and document legal residence.
  • If student is dependent, the parent or legal guardian must provide proof of legal residence.

Request for Reclassification

The student who is initially classified as out-of-state and wants to request reclassification to in-state status must complete an Appeal for Residency Reclassification and submit new, current documentation.

The determination of dependent or independent status is important because it is the basis for whether the student has to submit his/her own documentation of residency (as an independent) or his/her parent’s or guardian’s documentation of residency (as a dependent).  The following definitions are provided in rule:

Independent Student

A student who meets any one of the following criteria shall be classified as an independent student for the determination of residency for tuition purposes:

  1. The student is 24 years of age or older by the first day of classes of the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution;
  2. The student is married;
  3. The student has children who receive more than half of their support from the student;
  4. The student has other dependents who live with and receive more than half of their support from the student;
  5. The student is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or is currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces for purposes other than training;
  6. Both of the student’s parents are deceased or the student is or was (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court;
  7. The student is working on a master’s degree or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution; or
  8. The student is classified as an independent by the financial aid office at the institution.

Evidence that the student meets one of these criteria will be requested by the higher education institution. A student who does not meet one of the criteria outlined above may be classified as an independent student only if he or she submits documentation that he or she provides fifty (50) percent or more of the cost of attendance for independent, in-state students as defined by the financial aid office at the institution (exclusive of federal, state, and institutional aid or scholarships). For current year 2011 - 2012 the amount equals $7,486.

Dependent Student

All other students who do not meet the above definition of an independent student shall be classified as dependent students for the determination of residency for tuition purposes.

Documentary Evidence

At least two of the following documents must be submitted, with dates that evidence the 12-month qualifying period. At least one of the documents must be from the First Tier. As some evidence is more persuasive than others, more than two may be requested. No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive. Additionally, there must be an absence of information that contradicts the applicant’s claim of residency.

First Tier

  • Florida Driver's license (if known to be held in another state previously, must have relinquished) OR a State of Florida identification card (if evidence of no ties to another state)
  • Florida voter registration card
  • Florida vehicle registration
  • Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida that is occupied as a primary residence of the claimant
  • Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years (if Florida high school diploma or GED was earned within last 12 months)
  • Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida (one or more jobs for at least 30 hours per week for a 12 month period)
  • Benefit histories from Florida agencies or public assistance programs

*At least one of the two documents submitted must be from this list

Second Tier

  • Declaration of domicile in Florida (12 months from the date the document was sworn and subscribed as noted by the Clerk of Circuit Court)
  • A Florida professional or occupational license
  • Florida incorporation
  • Documents evidencing family ties in Florida
  • Proof of membership in Florida-based charitable or professional organizations
  • Any other documentation that supports the student's request for resident status

*May be used in conjunction with one document from First Tier