How to Establish Residency in Florida for College

Do you have plans to study in Florida? If the answer is yes, you need to know how to establish residency in Florida for college. Florida has a program for tuition reduction for those who can demonstrate in-state residency. In other words, Florida residents pay less tuition than non-Florida residents. 

What Does It Mean by Residency for Tuition Purposes in Florida?

Before understanding how to establish residency in Florida for college, it is also essential for you to understand about Florida residency for college tuition.

A Florida resident for tuition purposes refers to a person who has had legal residence in Florida for at least 12 months. It relates to if you are eligible as a Florida resident or an out-of-state resident to pay tuition fees.

This classification determines your tuition rate. So Florida residents will receive a significant reduction when compared to non-Florida residents, for example at the University of Florida. Students from in-state scholars spend $6,380. Meanwhile, students from out of state must pay more expenses at $28,658. 

Therefore, if you want to get a tuition discount you must establish residency in Florida. Either a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident alien, or a legal resident granted an indefinite stay by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Dependant VS Independent Student College 

Before knowing how to establish residency in Florida for college, you should know the difference between dependent and independent student status. It is important to determine whether you should show your personal or your parents’ residency documents. See the explanation below!

1. Dependant Student

A dependant student is a student who lives with his/her parents or not and is eligible to claim tax under his/her parent’s responsibility. Simply put, if you qualify as a parent’s federal income tax dependent, then you are considered a dependent student. Your parents must provide proof of residence. 

2. Independent Student 

Meanwhile, you will be considered an independent student for tuition application purposes in the state of Florida if you meet the following characteristics:

• You’re 24 years old or older before the beginning of the semester
• You’re married or have a dependent child who requires more than half of the student’s allowance, or
• Have other dependents living with you
• You are a veteran or still on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. It includes the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Navy.
• Both of your parents are dead when you are 13 years old or you have been a foster or dependent child until 18.
• You are an unaccompanied homeless person according to a school district homeless liaison.
• The institution’s Office of Financial Aid has categorized you as an independent student.
• You are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree during a period of time when you’re looking for residency status. 

How to Establish Residency in Florida for College?

You need to provide two or more important documents for tuition purposes. It must prove you or your parents are Florida residents for at least 12 months before you start your first class. 

In addition, colleges and universities may ask for additional documents. It is required once there’s inconsistency between the residency documentation and the school’s admission application. 

Please note that if you are an independent student, the documents must be in your name. However, if you are a dependent student, the document must be in the name of one of your parents. Look at the document requirements below. You must submit at least one item from the list. 

• Florida voter’s registration card.
• Driver’s license.
• State of Florida identification card.
• Vehicle registration in Florida.
• Evidence of permanent home in Florida. It is the primary residence of the student or their parents as a dependent student.
• Proof of homestead exemption in Florida.
• Official transcripts from Florida high school for 2 or more years if a diploma student was earned within the last 12 months.
• Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida. It must be worked at least 30 hours per week for 12 consecutive months.

Additional Documents

However, additional documents are needed if you only have one document from the list above. Look at the following documents listed:

• A declaration of domicile in Florida. It must be in accordance with s.222.17, Florida Statutes.
• Florida professional or occupational license.
• Florida incorporation.
• Verifiable proof of family relationship with a Florida resident, as defined by the course objectives.
• Evidence of membership in a Florida according to charitable or professional organization.
• Other documentation that supports your status as a Florida residence.
• Court document demonstrating legal ties to Florida.
• Evidence of 12 consecutive months of payments and utility bills.
• Proof of 12 consecutive months of payments and lease agreement.
• Official state, federal, or court documents that prove a legal relationship with Florida.

Exceptions and Qualifications

Some students are considered exceptions for those who do not fulfill the required two-month residency requirement. It includes:

• Persons married to legal Frida residents
• Eligible beneficiaries under the terms of the Florida Prepaid Tuition Program
• A person who previously enrolled at a Florida state postsecondary institution. She or he is classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes.
• An active member of the Armed Services of the USA stationed in Florida
• Citizens of the United States who live on the Isthmus of Panama
• Students from Latin America and the Caribbean receive scholarships from the state government.
• Full-time employees of state agencies and instructional and administrative personnel employed by state public schools.
• An active member of the Canadian military residing. 

What If I’ve Already Lived or Attended a Florida School?

You must provide legal documents indicating that you or your parents have residency in Florida. This refers to being considered a Florida resident for tuition purposes. If you have lived or attended school in Florida but cannot submit residency documents, your status won’t be recognized. 

Can International Students Apply for Florida Residency?

Applicants who are not Florida or US citizens must submit relevant documents from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The document must show your citizen status such as a residence card, green card, visa, or work permit card. In addition, all documentary evidence must be up-to-date and not expired documents. 

Complete The Documents For Florida Residence Now!

So, what do you think so far? By reading this article related to how to establish residency in Florida for College you can get a better understanding of the rules. May this article help with your endeavor!