Florida Tuition and Fee Exemption for Foster Care and Adopted Youth
State of Florida (s. 1009.25, Florida Statutes); applied by each public institution
Free tuition and fees at Florida public colleges, universities and district technical centers for current/former foster youth and youth adopted from DCF, until age 28.
- How much
- 100% of tuition and fees (including lab fees) at Florida public institutions
- Who qualifies
- Current or former foster youth, youth adopted from the Florida Department of Children and Families after May 5, 1997, or placed in guardianship/permanent guardianship
- Exemption valid until age 28. Reunification route requires Pell Grant eligibility.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; claim at enrollment each term until age 28.
- How to apply
- Tell your college's admissions or financial aid office you qualify and provide proof of foster care, adoption or guardianship status (your DCF/community-based care agency can provide a letter)
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (flsenate.gov)
The details
State law (s. 1009.25(1)(c), F.S.) exempts eligible students from tuition and fees, including lab fees, at school-district workforce programs, Florida College System institutions and state universities. Covers students who were in out-of-home care at 18, in relative/nonrelative custody at 18, placed in guardianship after 6+ months in DCF custody after age 16, adopted from DCF after May 5, 1997, placed in permanent guardianship, or (if Pell-eligible) reunified with parents after 18+ months in care after age 14. Valid until age 28. Often paired with DCF's Postsecondary Education Services and Support stipend.
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.