Florida Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waiver: Free College Guide
Florida State Resource Guide
Florida Tuition & Fee Waiver: Free College Guide
Florida's Tuition and Fee Waiver lets eligible foster care youth attend any Florida public university, community college, or trade school 100% tuition-free — all the way until age 28.
Overview
What Is the Florida Tuition & Fee Waiver?
This is a state-funded exemption — not a loan, not a scholarship you have to compete for. If you qualify, your tuition and mandatory fees at any Florida public institution are simply waived. It covers all undergraduate tuition and matriculation fees and can be used at any point until your 28th birthday, giving you the flexibility to start, stop, or change direction as life requires.
What You Get
Key Program Benefits
Zero Tuition Costs
Covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees at any public college or state university in Florida (e.g., FAU, FIU, MDC, BC, PBSC).
Trade School Coverage
Applies to public vocational-technical centers for career certificates and trade programs.
Long-Term Window
Youth can use this benefit repeatedly until their 28th birthday, allowing them to finish a degree or switch career paths later.
No Credit Minimum
Applies to both part-time and full-time enrollment statuses.
Who Qualifies
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Florida tuition exemption, a student must meet at least one of the following conditions:
They were in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a licensed foster home when they turned 18.
They spent at least 6 months in licensed foster care after turning age 14 and were then reunited with their parents before age 18.
They were adopted from Florida foster care or placed into permanent guardianship (such as the Relative Caregiver Program) after May 5, 1997.
They were placed in the custody of a relative or non-relative by a Florida dependency court after spending time in licensed foster care.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
The Resilience Component can help you understand which benefits you qualify for and connect you with the resources and support you need to move forward with confidence.