Florida First Responder Scholarship Program
Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
Covers tuition and fees plus up to $1,000 in costs for law enforcement, EMT, paramedic and firefighter training at Florida public colleges.
- How much
- Tuition and applicable fees for the training program, plus up to $1,000 for eligible expenses
- Who qualifies
- Trainee in a Florida law enforcement, EMT, paramedic or firefighter training program not sponsored by an employer
- Must not be sponsored by an employer already covering training costs. Nonresidents may receive it (out-of-state fee not covered).
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- When to apply
- Apply any time First-come, first-served while funds last; apply at enrollment in the training program.
- How to apply
- Apply through the financial aid office of the participating Florida college or technical center running your training program
- Awards are first-come, first-served
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org), page 2 and page 3
The details
Scholarship for trainees in a commission-approved law enforcement basic recruit program, a state-approved EMT or paramedic program, or a firefighter minimum standards course at a Florida College System institution or school-district career center. Covers in-state tuition and applicable fees needed to finish the training (minus other state and federal aid) plus up to $1,000 for certification and exam fees, textbooks, uniforms, required equipment (e.g. ammunition, stethoscopes), insurance and consumables. Nonresident trainees are covered but not for the out-of-state fee. First-come, first-served by the date the school receives your application; depends on appropriations and school participation. Replaced and expanded the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship (same statute, s. 1009.896).
More money from Florida
- McKnight Doctoral Fellowshipstipend up to $14,000 per year for up to 3 years
- Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program (MMB)up to $3,000 per year (2025-26; may be prorated)
- Benacquisto Scholarship ProgramInstitutional in-state cost of attendance minus Bright Futures and National Merit awards
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)100% of tuition and applicable fees at Florida public institutions; at private institutions $212 per semester credit hour (4-year, 2026-27); Academic Top Scholars add $44 per semester credit hour
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC)$39 per semester credit hour (career certificate or applied technology diploma), $48 per semester credit hour (AS/AAS/CCC technical degree), 2026-27; $48 per semester credit hour toward a BS/BAS after an AS/AAS
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Georgia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.