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FLORIDA RESIDENCY

What is Florida Residency for tuition purposes?

Individuals who qualify for Florida Residency for tuition purposes receive a discounted rate on their tuition.  The State of Florida supplements the full-cost of instruction for these individuals so that they pay a lower rate than other students (full cost of tuition is equivalent to the out of state resident fee rate).  Being a Florida Resident for tuition purposes requires documented proof of you or your parents (depending whether you are dependent or independent) establishing a permanent domicile in Florida for more than 12 months preceding the first day of classes for the term in which you are applying.– this is different from residing in Florida on a temporary basis.

Is the Florida Residency for tuition purposes policy created by Lake-Sumter Community College?

No.  Lake-Sumter Community College only enforces the statute 1009.2 fs, created by the Florida legislature and the administrative rule 6A-10.044, approved by the Division of Community Colleges and the University’s Board of Governors.   The Florida Residency for Tuition purposes rule is very specific and provides the colleges with a policy and guidelines to adhere to when determining the residency classification of a student.  Each college and university is audited by the state to determine their adherence to the rule.

How do I qualify for Florida Residency for tuition purposes?

Students who are admitted to public-supported postsecondary educational institutions in Florida must complete an affidavit and provide proof of “residency-for-tuition-purposes” in accordance with state law.  Non-US citizen students and/or parents must provide evidence of legal immigration status in the US before being considered for Florida resident fees.  All documents supporting the establishment of Florida residency must be dated or issued 12 months before the first day of class of the major term in which the residency-for-tuition classification is sought.  These documents MUST be submitted and filed by the Proof of Florida Residency Deadline designated by the college.

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).

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
The person for whom residency is being based (the student if independent or the parent/guardian if dependent) must submit the following information.  At least two of the following documents must be submitted, with dates that evidence the 12-month qualifying period.  At least one document must be submitted 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 (at least one document is required from this list)                                

• Florida Driver’s License                                                                       

*if known to be held in another state, must have relinquished

• Florida Voter Registration Card
• Florida Vehicle Registration
• Declaration of Domicile in Florida

*12 months from the date the document was filed with the court

• 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 the diploma or GED was earned in the 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

SECOND TIER (may be used in conjunction with one document from First Tier)

• 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 Residency Status

Examples: Utility Bills and proof of payments for the last 12 consecutive months
Lease agreement and proof of payments for the last 12 consecutive months
State or court documents evidencing legal ties to Florida