Bright Futures Eligibility Overview

Overview

This chapter explains the initial eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program for the 2025-26 academic year, including how to apply, required credentials, and criteria for various student groups.

Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)

• Applicants must submit the FFAA by August 31 of their graduation year to be considered.
• Students are encouraged to apply even if all requirements are not yet met and must track their status online.
• Scores from ACT, SAT, CLT, or PERT tests taken by August 31 are accepted.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Florida resident and U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Complete the FFAA during senior year between October 1 and August 31.
• Earn a standard FL high school diploma (or equivalent) or complete a home education program.
• No felony convictions (without clemency).
• Be accepted and enrolled in an eligible Florida postsecondary institution for at least six non-remedial credit hours.
• Apply for reinstatement within 5 years if not funded the year after graduation.

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) & Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)

• Graduate from an eligible Florida high school, private school, GED, or home ed.
• Complete required 16-credit high school coursework.
• Meet the weighted GPA requirement: 3.50 (FAS), 3.00 (FMS).
• Achieve minimum test scores: FAS—ACT 29/CLT 95/SAT 1330; FMS—ACT 24/CLT 82/SAT 1190.
• Complete 100 hours of volunteer service, paid work, or a combination.
• GPA is calculated using weighted college-prep credits; advanced/honors courses are weighted higher.

Alternative Merit Paths

• National Merit Finalists, AP Capstone, AICE, or IB Diploma can qualify students under certain conditions.
• Require 100 service/work hours for FAS, 75 for FMS.
• Confirmations may arrive post-graduation.

Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in non-elective courses; 3.5 unweighted GPA in three career/technical education credits.
• Meet minimum ACT, SAT, or PERT scores (subtest requirements detailed).
• Complete 30–75 service hours or 100 paid/combined hours (hours depend on cohort).

Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC)

• Earn at least five postsecondary credits via CAPE certifications.
• Complete 30–75 service hours or 100 paid/combined hours (hours depend on cohort).

Non-Traditional Students

• Home education (HE) or Personalized Education Program (PEP) students must be registered with the district for the required time.
• Must meet the same test score and service hour requirements as traditional students.
• Documentation is submitted through the district or directly to FDOE.

GED Students

• Must meet coursework and GPA requirements before earning a GED.
• Submit FFAA, test scores, transcripts, and service/work hour documentation before the GED date.

Out-of-State (OOS) Students

• Must have a parent who is a current or recently retired Florida resident due to military/public service.
• Submit FFAA, transcripts, test scores, documentation of OOS assignment, and proof of dependency.

Mid-Year Graduates

• Must complete FFAA by December 31 of senior year.
• Must meet requirements in effect for the graduation academic year.
• Only mid-year graduates seeking spring funding qualify for special timing.

Transcripts and Notification

• Electronic or official transcripts must be sent directly from the school.
• Early and final evaluation results are posted to the student's online account.
• Award notifications for IB, AICE, AP Capstone Diplomas may post later.

Deferment

• Students entering military or 18+ month full-time religious/service work may defer scholarships, with the five-year window starting after separation.

Key Terms & Definitions

• FFAA — Florida Financial Aid Application, required for Bright Futures consideration.
• FAS/FMS/GSV/GSC — Various Bright Futures awards (Academic, Medallion, Vocational, CAPE Scholars).
• CAPE — Career and Professional Education, industry certifications for college credit.
• GPA — Grade Point Average; weighted for challenging coursework.
• OOS — Out-of-State students with FL residency ties.
• IB/AICE/AP Capstone — Alternative paths for eligibility through diploma or curriculum achievement.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Complete and submit the FFAA by the deadline.
• Ensure all test scores and required documentation are sent to the correct agencies.
• Track application status and submit any additional requirements if requested.
• Complete the necessary volunteer or paid work hours before graduation.
• Consult the official Bright Futures resources for forms and further instructions.