Florida Purple Heart and Combat Decoration Tuition Waiver
State of Florida (s. 1009.26, Florida Statutes); applied by each public institution
Free undergraduate tuition at Florida public colleges, universities and technical centers for Purple Heart (or higher combat decoration) recipients.
- How much
- Tuition waived for up to 110% of required credit hours
- Who qualifies
- Purple Heart recipient or recipient of a higher-precedence combat decoration
- Must be a Florida resident now or have been a Florida resident at the time of the military action.
- For undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; claim at enrollment.
- How to apply
- Submit your DD-214 (or other DoD/VA documentation of the award) to your Florida public college or university's veterans or registrar's office
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (flsenate.gov)
The details
State law (s. 1009.26(8), F.S.) requires state universities, Florida College System institutions, district career centers and charter technical career centers to waive tuition for undergraduate college credit and career certificate programs for recipients of the Purple Heart or a combat decoration superior in precedence. Applies to full-time, part-time or summer students for up to 110% of the required credit hours of the degree or certificate program. Tuition only (fees may still apply).
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
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