Are you a high school student in Florida dreaming of a college education without the heavy burden of tuition fees? The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship could be your ticket! In this guide, we’ll break down the eligibility criteria, application process, and renewal requirements for each of the main Bright Futures awards available for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 academic years.
What is Bright Futures Scholarship?
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship funded by the Florida Lottery and offered by the Florida Department of Education. It rewards Florida high school students for their academic achievements by covering a large portion of their college tuition at eligible Florida colleges and universities.
Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements
All Bright Futures applicants must meet the following Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements:
- Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Graduate from a Florida high school with a standard diploma or equivalent.
- Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by August 31 following high school graduation.
- Enroll in an eligible Florida postsecondary institution as a degree- or certificate-seeking student.
- Enroll in a minimum of 6 non-remedial credit hours per term.
- Have no felony convictions.
- Maintain minimum GPA and credit hour requirements for scholarship renewal.
Types of Bright Futures Scholarships
1. Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)
The most competitive award, covering 100% of tuition and applicable fees.
Requirements:
- 16 college-preparatory credits, including:
- 4 English (3 with substantial writing)
- 4 Mathematics (Algebra I level or higher)
- 3 Natural Sciences (2 with labs)
- 3 Social Sciences
- 2 sequential World Language credits
- Minimum weighted GPA: 3.50
- Minimum test scores (by Aug 31 of graduation year):
- SAT: 1340, ACT: 29, or CLT: 96
- 100 hours of volunteer service, paid work, or a combination
Renewal: College GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)
Covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees.
Requirements:
- Same 16 college-prep courses as FAS
- Minimum weighted GPA: 3.00
- Minimum test scores (by Aug 31 of graduation year):
- SAT: 1210, ACT: 25, or CLT: 84
- 75 volunteer hours, 100 paid work hours, or a combination
Renewal: College GPA of 2.75 or higher
3. Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC)
Designed for students in Career and Professional Education (CAPE) programs.
Requirements:
- Completion of 5 CAPE postsecondary credit hours
- 30 volunteer hours, 100 paid work hours, or a combination
- No minimum GPA or standardized test requirement
4. Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)
For students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
Requirements:
- 3.00 weighted GPA in non-elective courses
- 3 full credits in a single CTE program with 3.5 unweighted GPA
- Minimum test scores (ACT/SAT/P.E.R.T.)
- 30 volunteer hours, 100 paid work hours, or a combination
How to Apply for Bright Futures Scholarship?
Follow these steps to Apply for Bright Futures Scholarship:
Step 1: Create a Student Account on Florida Student Financial Aid website
- Go to Florida Student Financial Aid
- Select “First-Time Applicants” and create an account.
Step 2: Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
- Application opens: October 1 of senior year
- Deadline: August 31 after graduation
- List your Florida college or university on the application
Step 3: Complete Service or Work Hours
- Volunteer or paid hours must be verified and submitted by the August 31 deadline.
Step 4: Submit Test Scores
- Ensure ACT, SAT, or CLT scores are sent to the Florida Department of Education.
Step 5: Track Your Status
- Monitor your application and award eligibility online through your student dashboard.
Step 6: Start Using the Scholarship
Enroll at an eligible Florida school within 5 years of graduation
florida bright futures deadline for class of 2025
If you’re a high school senior graduating in 2025, the deadline to apply for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is August 31, 2025.
To be eligible, you must submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by this date—no exceptions. This is a critical step for all Florida students who want to receive Bright Futures funding for college.
Important Notes:
- Submit the FFAA at Florida Student Financial Aid (OSFA) website.
- You can use ACT, SAT, CLT, or PERT scores earned through August 31, 2025 for eligibility.
- All other requirements (GPA, community service/paid work hours, etc.) must be completed by your high school graduation.
For Current College Students (Renewals):
- Fall/Spring Deadline: May 15 (by 5:00 p.m.)
- Spring/Summer Deadline: November 1 (by 5:00 p.m.)
deadline for bright futures 2025
| Student Type | deadline for bright futures 2025 |
|---|---|
| High School Seniors (2025) | August 31, 2025 (FFAA Submission) |
| College Renewal Applicants | May 15 or November 1 (depending on term) |
Bright Futures Scholarship 2025 Last Date
The official last date to apply for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is August 31 of the year you graduate from high school. This means you must submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by August 31 following your high school graduation to be considered for the scholarship.
- FFAA Deadline: August 31 after high school graduation
- Test Score Deadline: August 31
- Service/Work Hour Deadline: August 31
Missing any of these deadlines disqualifies you from receiving Bright Futures funding.
Renewal Requirements
To maintain your scholarship:
| Scholarship | College GPA | Enrollment Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| FAS | 3.0+ | 6+ non-remedial credits |
| FMS | 2.75+ | 6+ non-remedial credits |
| GSV / GSC | Program-specific GPA and credits |
- Scholarships are renewable for up to 5 years or 120 credit hours.
- Students must complete the required credit hours per academic year.
Additional Tips
- Submit the FFAA even if you’re unsure about attending college in Florida—this keeps your options open.
- FAFSA is not required for Bright Futures but is highly recommended for other aid.
- Combine volunteer and paid work hours to meet eligibility.
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FAQS on florida academic scholarship requirements
florida bright futures scholarship eligibility requirements 2024-2025
To qualify for Bright Futures 2024-2025, you must be a Florida resident, U.S. citizen (or eligible noncitizen), graduate from a Florida high school, complete required courses, GPA, test scores, service hours, and submit the FFAA by August 31.
gpa to maintain bright futures?
To keep Bright Futures, maintain a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 for Academic Scholars, 2.75 for Medallion) each term. Check your scholarship type for specifics.