Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

How and When Does a Student Apply?

Students must apply during their last year in high school or forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship.

A student who receives a Bright Futures award and attends an out-of-state postsecondary institution and then returns to Florida to complete his/her education within three years may apply for reinstatement of the original award.

In order to receive funding for a Florida Bright Futures Award, a student must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. The postsecondary institution the student attends is responsible for making residency and citizenship determinations.

To Be Considered for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship a Student Must:

  • Apply for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship by completing the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)* during his/her last year in high school. A student may apply online at http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ beginning December 1st of his/her last year in high school. This application gives the Department of Education (DOE) permission to evaluate his/her high school transcripts for eligibility for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
  • Earn a Florida standard high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Not have been found guilty of, or plead nolo contendere to, a felony charge.
  • Meet Academic Requirements for the award a student would like to earn.

* The demographic information a student provides on the FFAA will be used to retrieve and evaluate his/her high school transcript. If the demographic information provided on the FFAA does not match the demographic information on his/her high school transcript, he/she will not receive an official Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program evaluation. A student may use his/her report card or contact his/her high school to assist in verifying this information. Additional documentation is required for Home Education, GED, and out-of-state applicants. This application is easy to complete and applicants receive an immediate response.

FFAA applicants will receive a User ID and Password/PIN for the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) website. A student will access the OSFA website at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org to monitor the status of his/her Florida Financial Aid Application. Call toll-free at 1-888-827-2004 with questions.