For Florida high school students, the Bright Futures Scholarship is the “golden ticket” of financial aid. Funded by the Florida Lottery, this program has helped over 1 million students pay for their postsecondary education.
However, the application process involves strict deadlines, specific coursework, and precise test scores. Miss a step, and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table.
Scholarship Summary: What is Bright Futures?
The Florida Bright Futures program creates a merit-based pathway for students to attend Florida public (and select private) postsecondary institutions with significantly reduced costs.
There are four award levels, but the two most common for university-bound students are:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): The highest tier, covering 100% of tuition and applicable fees at a public Florida institution.
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): The second tier, covering 75% of tuition and applicable fees at a public Florida institution.
Note: There are also the Gold Seal Vocational (GSV) and Gold Seal CAPE (GSC) scholarships for students pursuing technical degrees or certificates.
Scholarship Coverage: What Do You Actually Get?
Many families assume “100% coverage” means a completely free ride. It is important to understand the distinctions.
Public Universities (e.g., UF, FSU, USF)
FAS
Covers 100% of tuition and specific fees (activity, health, athletic, etc.).
It generally does not cover housing, meal plans, or books (though FAS recipients receive a small stipend for expenses).
FMS
Covers 75% of tuition and specific fees.
Private Colleges (e.g., UM, Rollins, Stetson)
If you attend a private Florida college, Bright Futures provides a fixed dollar amount per credit hour.
- The award is calculated based on the average cost of a public university.
- It will not cover 100% of private school tuition. It will simply act as a discount comparable to what the state would have paid a public school.
Eligibility and Selection Process
To qualify, you must be a Florida resident, earn a standard high school diploma, and complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA).
Below are the specific academic requirements for high school graduates in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Eligibility Criteria (FAS vs. FMS)
| Requirement | Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) | Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) |
| Award Amount | 100% Tuition & Fees (Public) | 75% Tuition & Fees (Public) |
| High School GPA | 3.50 (Weighted) | 3.00 (Weighted) |
| SAT Score | 1340 | 1190 |
| ACT Score | 29 | 24 |
| CLT Score | 96 | 84 |
| Service/Work Hours | 100 hours total | 100 hours total (or 75 service only) |
| Required Credits | 16 Credits (College Prep) | 16 Credits (College Prep) |
Important 2025-2026 Updates
Combined Hours
You can now combine volunteer service hours and paid work hours to meet the 100-hour requirement. You do not need to choose one or the other.
ACT Science Section
Starting with 2025-2026 graduates, the ACT Science section is optional.
The Bright Futures evaluation will calculate your composite score using the average of your English, Math, Reading, and Science scores, OR just your English, Math, and Reading, whichever benefits you more.
2025-2026 Application Timeline
The application window is strict. Do not wait until you have been accepted to a college to apply for Bright Futures.
| Milestone | Date / Deadline | Action Required |
| Application Opens | October 1, 2025 | The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) opens. Apply early! |
| Early Evaluation | January 31, 2026 | Submit test scores/transcripts by this date for an “Early Eligibility” determination (7th semester). |
| Testing Deadline | August 31, 2026 | Last chance to take the SAT/ACT/CLT to achieve qualifying scores. |
| Final Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 | You must have your FFAA submitted by this date, or you forfeit eligibility forever. |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
1. Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
You must submit the FFAA during your senior year of high school.
- Go to:FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org
- Create: A student account (Profile).
- Complete: The application takes about 15 minutes.
- Tip: If you aren’t sure which college you will attend, list your top choice Florida school. You can easily change this later. Do not skip applying because you are undecided.
2. Complete Your Service/Work Hours
Ensure your hours are documented and submitted to your high school guidance counselor. The state does not accept hours directly from students; they must be verified on your high school transcript.
3. Send Official Test Scores
When you register for the SAT or ACT, select a Florida public university to receive your scores. The Florida Department of Education pulls scores from the state university repository.
- Note: You can also send scores to code 9999 (on some platforms) or directly to a Florida public university to ensure they enter the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete the FAFSA to get Bright Futures?
No. Bright Futures is a lottery-funded merit scholarship, not a need-based grant.
You do not need a completed FAFSA to receive these funds, though many colleges encourage you to file one anyway for other aid types.
Can I use Bright Futures for summer classes?
Yes. Both FAS and FMS recipients are currently eligible for funding during the summer term, provided they are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
What happens if I lose my scholarship in college?
If your college GPA drops below the renewal requirement (3.0 for FAS, 2.75 for FMS), you may lose eligibility.
You have a one-time opportunity to restore the scholarship if you bring your GPA back up in a subsequent year.
Next Steps
The difference between graduating debt-free and taking out student loans often comes down to a few points on the SAT or a few hours of community service.
- Check your current GPA with your guidance counselor.
- Register for the next SAT/ACT if you haven’t met the score threshold.
- Create your account at theOffice of Student Financial Assistance today.
Disclaimer: Scholarship requirements are subject to change by the Florida Legislature. Always verify the latest information in the official Bright Futures Student Handbook.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
