Florida Government Bright Futures Scholarships 2025/2026 – How to Apply
WHEN IS APPLICATION DEADLINE:
31st August 2024
Tell Me About Award:
The Bright Futures Scholarship program provides the Florida Academic Scholar award (FAS) and the Florida Medallion Scholar award (FMS) to eligible students.
WHICH FIELDS ARE ELIGIBLE?
Any fields
TYPE:
Undergraduate
Who Can Apply?
- Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, as determined by the student’s postsecondary institution.
- Complete the FFAA no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
- Earn a standard Florida high school diploma, or its equivalent, from a Florida public high school or a registered Florida Department of Education (FDOE) private high school; or complete a home education program.
- Not have been found guilty of, or pled 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 accepted by, and enroll in a degree or certificate program at, an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary institution.
- Be enrolled for at least six non-remedial semester credit hours (or the equivalent in quarter or clock hours) per term.
- If not funded in the academic year immediately following high school graduation, apply within five years of high school graduation to have your award reinstated.
(Please refer to ‘Reinstatement Requirements’ section of Chapter 3 for more information regarding the reinstatement process.)
(Please refer to the ‘Deferment of the Scholarship’ section at the end of this chapter concerning students who enlist in the military or engage in a full-time religious or service obligation after graduation.)
Specific Requirements For Scholarships
Florida high school students who wish to qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award or the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) award must meet the following initial eligibility requirements:
- Graduate high school from a Florida public high school with a standard Florida high school diploma (high school graduation requirements), graduate from a registered Florida Department of Education private high school, earn a GED, complete a home education program, or graduate from a non-Florida high school if specific conditions are met (see the Out-of-State (OOS) guide referenced here for additional details – OOS);
- Complete the required high school coursework;
- Achieve the required minimum high school grade point average (GPA);
- Achieve the required minimum score on either the ACT®, CLT®, or SAT® college entrance exam by August 31 of high school graduation year;
- Complete the required number of volunteer service, paid work hours, or the combination of 100 total hours; and
- Submit an FFAA no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
| Type | 16 High School Course Credits | High School Weighted GPA | College Entrance Exams (ACT/CLT/SAT) | Service Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAS | 4 – English (three must include substantial writing)4 – Mathematics (at or above the Algebra I level)3 – Natural Science (two must have substantial laboratory)3 – Social Science2 – World Language (sequential, in same language) | 3.50 | 29/96/1340 | 100 hours |
| FMS | 3.00 | 25/84/1210 | 75 hours |
Other Ways To Qualify
Students who have demonstrated academic merit through a recognition program may be eligible for Bright Futures without having to meet one or more of the requirements. Note: Both AICE and IB Diplomas must be earned prior to high school graduation. Confirmations may come from AICE and IB as late as September
HOW MANY AWARDS?
Not specified
What Is The Benefit Of Award?
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) will receive an award to cover 100% of tuition and applicable fees when attending a public postsecondary institution. Students attending a nonpublic institution will receive a comparable amount as noted in the Private Award Chart. FAS students can receive an award during the summer sessions to cover tuition and applicable fees.
Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) will receive an award to cover 75% of tuition and applicable fees when attending a public postsecondary institution. Students attending a nonpublic institution will receive a comparable amount as noted in the Private Award Chart. FMS students can receive an award during the summer sessions to cover tuition and applicable fees. Beginning in fall 2021, students enrolled in an associate degree program at a Florida College System institution will receive an award to cover 100% of tuition and applicable fees.
HOW LONG WILL AWARD LAST?
A Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) or Florida Medallion Scholar (FMS) may receive funding for up to five years from high school graduation for a maximum of 120 semester hours (or equivalent) toward the completion of a certificate or a first baccalaureate degree. This also applies to students in 3/2 programs who are classified as an undergraduate. Extended hours of funding are available to FAS and FMS students enrolled in a single program of study requiring more than 120 hours by submitting the following application, “Extended Hours Application.”
How To Apply:
Students must APPLY for the scholarship by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
Visit Award Webpage for Details
