What Is the Florida Prepaid Scholarship?
The Florida Prepaid Scholarship, commonly known as the Florida Bright Futures scholarship, is a statefunded program that helps eligible Florida highschool graduates pay for tuition and fees at eligible public and private postsecondary institutions. The scholarship is awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, course load, and standardizedtest scores.
While the program is often referred to simply as Bright Futures, the prepaid aspect means many families can purchase a scholarship in advance (when the student is in middle school) that locks in tuition rates for future college years.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Florida Prepaid Scholarship, students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a Florida resident for at least one year prior to application.
- Graduate from a Florida high school or obtain a GED while residing in Florida.
- Enroll in an eligible college or university within the State of Florida.
- Maintain a cumulative highschool GPA that meets the award level (see table below).
- Complete a minimum number of Alevel (collegeprep) courses, including required math, science, and English credits.
- Achieve the required ACT or SAT scores for the selected award level.
Award Levels
| Award | GPA Minimum | ACT/SAT Minimum | CollegePrep Courses | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) | 3.5 | ACT 29 / SAT 1330 | 16 | 100% of tuition & fees |
| Florida Medallion Scholar (FMS) | 3.0 | ACT 23 / SAT 1080 | 14 | 75% of tuition, 100% of fees |
| Florida Gold Medalist (FGM) | 3.0 | ACT 23 / SAT 1080 | 12 | 50% of tuition, 75% of fees |
Note: The exact number of required courses varies by award level and may change each academic year. Always verify the most recent guidelines on the official Florida Department of Education website.
How to Apply
The application process is primarily online and consists of four major steps:
- Create a MyFloridaFuture account. This portal stores your personal information, school records, and scholarship status.
- Enter your academic information. Input GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and details about completed collegeprep courses.
- Submit supporting documentation. Upload transcripts, test scores, and proof of residency.
- Finalize the application. Review all entries for accuracy, then click Submit. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.
After submission, the Department of Education reviews the application within 1015 business days. If approved, the scholarship amount will be posted to your MyFloridaFuture dashboard, and an official award letter will be mailed to you and your colleges financialaid office.
Required Documents
Having the correct documents ready will prevent delays. Below is a checklist of the most common items:
- Official highschool transcript (including weighted GPA and course codes).
- Official ACT or SAT score report.
- Proof of Florida residency (e.g., drivers license, utility bill, or lease agreement).
- Copy of the students birth certificate or passport.
- Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- If applying for a prepaid plan: receipt of prepaid scholarship purchase.
All documents must be in PDF format and not exceed 5MB per file.
Key Deadlines
Missing a deadline can disqualify you from receiving the scholarship for that academic year. Mark these dates on your calendar:
- October1: Online application opens for the following academic year.
- November30: Final day to submit the application and all supporting documents.
- December15: Deadline for prepaid scholarship purchases for the upcoming year.
- January15: Notification of award decisions sent to applicants.
- February1: Deadline to accept the scholarship and sign the award agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the scholarship at a private college?
Yes, as long as the private institution is approved by the Florida Department of Education and meets the programs accreditation standards.
What if I transfer schools?
The scholarship follows you to any eligible Florida institution. You must notify both your current and new schools financialaid offices and update your information in MyFloridaFuture.
Do I have to use the entire award in one year?
No. Unused funds can be carried over to subsequent semesters, but they must be used before you graduate or cease enrollment in an eligible program.
Can the scholarship be used for graduate studies?
Bright Futures is limited to undergraduate study. However, some prepaid plans can be applied toward graduate tuition if the original agreement allows it.
What happens if I dont meet the GPA requirement after receiving the award?
The scholarship may be reduced or revoked. Institutions must report student academic progress each term, and the Department of Education will adjust the award accordingly.
