Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes and Undocumented & DACA Students

Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes

What is Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes?

"Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes" is a form that students attending a
Florida institution of higher education must complete in order to determine if they qualify
for in-state tuition.
Recently, the Florida legislature implemented significant changes that extended in-state
tuition to all Florida high school graduates, including qualifying undocumented students,
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, students with undocumented
parents, lawful permanent resident students, and certain non-U.S. citizen students. All
state laws are referenced throughout this document.

What is the difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition?

In-state tuition is the price per credit hour charged to students who have resided in
Florida and/or have met other residency requirements. Out-of-state tuition is the price per credit
hour charged to students who are not deemed Florida residents and/or have not met other residency
requirements. In-state tuition is typically much lower than out-of-state tuition.

What schools can I attend to benefit from the in-state tuition laws?

Students will be classified as residents or non-residents for tuition purposes at postsecondary
educational programs offered by Florida public higher education institutions including a state
university, a Florida College System institution, a charter technical career center,1 or career center
operated by a school district.2 For a complete list of these institutions, follow the links.

UNDOCUMENTED & DACA STUDENTS

What are the eligibility requirements to qualify for in-state tuition as an undocumented or DACA student?
Students who are undocumented or have DACA status qualify for in-state tuition through the use of out-of-state fee waivers.3 An out-of-state fee waiver allows nonresident students to pay in-state tuition rates. To qualify for this waiver, a student must:
• Have attended a Florida secondary school (high school) for three consecutive years immediately
prior to graduation
• Apply for admission to an institution of higher education within 24 months of high school graduation; and
• Submit an official Florida high school transcript(s) as evidence of attendance and graduation
In addition, upon admission to a Florida public higher education institution, students must:
• Submit a completed out-of-state/non-resident fee waiver form, which can be located on the
institutions webpage
Will the out-of-state/non-resident fee waiver classify me as an in-state student?
No. Even with this waiver, you are considered an out-of-state/non-resident student, but permitted to
pay in-state tuition and fee prices.
1 First Coast Technical College (FCTC) and Lake Technical College (LTC) as of 2015-2016
2 Per § 1009.21
3 Per House Bill 851 amended section (s.)1009.26 (12)(a), Florida statutes, fee waivers