Scholarship Opportunity

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Offered by Florida Department of Education

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program provides lottery-funded, merit-based financial aid to qualifying Florida high school graduates. The program includes the Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars awards. Funding varies by award level, institution type, enrollment, and eligible tuition and fee amounts.

Minimum GPA2.8+
EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Community College Student, Trade School Student

Eligibility

  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, as determined by the student's postsecondary institution.
  • Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or qualifying equivalent from an eligible Florida school, home education program, or other approved pathway.
  • Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application during the final year of high school and no later than August 31, 2026.
  • Meet the GPA, required coursework, test score, and volunteer service or paid work-hour requirements for at least one Bright Futures award level.
  • Be accepted by and enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program at a participating Florida postsecondary institution.
  • Enroll in at least six non-remedial semester credit hours, or the equivalent, per funded term unless an approved exception applies.
  • Not have been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, a felony charge unless clemency has been granted.

Requirements

  • Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application.
  • Meet the applicable Bright Futures high school GPA requirement.
  • Complete the required college-preparatory or career-education coursework for the selected award.
  • Submit qualifying ACT, CLT, SAT, or PERT scores where applicable.
  • Complete the required volunteer service hours, paid work hours, or approved combination of both.
  • Graduate from high school and enroll at an eligible Florida postsecondary institution.
  • Maintain the required college GPA and earned credit hours for renewal.

How to Apply

  1. 1Create a student account through the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance.
  2. 2Complete and submit the Florida Financial Aid Application during the final year of high school.
  3. 3Confirm that the applicant's identifying information matches school and testing records.
  4. 4Work with the high school to ensure the required transcript, GPA, coursework, service hours, and work hours are reported.
  5. 5Arrange for qualifying test scores to be available to the Florida Department of Education.
  6. 6Monitor the online student account for eligibility evaluations and award notices.
  7. 7Enroll at an eligible Florida institution and work with its financial-aid office to receive funding.