Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes refers to whether the applicant is an in-state Florida resident or an out-of-state resident, and this classification determines tuition cost as defined by Florida State Statute 1009.21 and the State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.044. To be eligible for in-state tuition, applicants to Certificate or Applied Technology Diploma programs or their parents must have established and maintained legal residency in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of class. Tuition for out-of-state students is calculated at a higher rate. All applicants must complete the Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes form and submit the required supporting documents. Registration, activity, books, supply and insurance fees are in addition to tuition and included in the calculation of total program costs.
Effective July 1, 2014, House Bill 851 affords students who attended a Florida secondary school for three consecutive years before graduation—regardless of immigration status—the opportunity to pursue higher education at in-state tuition rates, should they apply for admission within 24 months after graduation. Previously, certain Florida students were required to pay out-of-state rates to attend Florida’s colleges and universities due to their immigration status.
In cases where the applicant is deemed as a Florida non-resident, he/she may appeal the residency classification decision. Broward Technical Colleges’ institutional appeal process requires applicants to submit a Florida Residency Classification Appeal form, supporting documentation, and a signed Release of Information form to the program counselor/advisor within 10 school days of the denial. The decision of the Residency Appeal Committee will be rendered to the applicant within 30 school days in writing and is final for the term. The Residency Appeal Committee consists of an Assistant Director, Office of Student Affairs Director and program counselor/advisor.

Forms/Additional Information