Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

A Florida “resident for tuition purposes” refers to whether you qualify as an in-state Florida resident or an out-of-state resident. This classification determines your cost of tuition.

Florida Law

In the determination of resident status for tuition purposes, it is the policy of the University of North Florida to follow the laws of the State of Florida as well as regulations and policy guidelines established by the Florida Board of Governors.

The policy on residency status for tuition purposes as adopted by the University of North Florida can be read in full in F.S. Chapter 1009.21 and in the Florida Board of Governors Resolution dated April 21, 2005.

General Guidelines

A Florida “resident for tuition purposes” is a person who has or a dependent person whose parent or legal guardian has established and maintained legal residency in Florida for at least twelve months. Residence in Florida must be as a bona fide domicile rather than for the purpose of maintaining a residence incident to enrollment at an institution of higher education. To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, you must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident alien, or legal alien granted indefinite stay by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Other persons not meeting the twelve-month legal residence requirement may be considered Florida residents for tuition purposes only if they fall within one of the exception categories authorized by the Florida Legislature and State Board of Education. All other persons are ineligible for classification as a Florida “resident for tuition purposes.” Living in or attending school in Florida will not, in itself, establish legal residence. Students who depend on out-of-state parents for support are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.

For more information and for official state guidelines, please visit the FloridaShines Web site.