Tuition & Fee Exemptions & Waivers
Fee exemptions and waivers are types of financial assistance authorized in Florida Statute that provide opportunities for many students to attend college at reduced tuition and fee costs or even free.
Students should contact the college of interest to learn if they are eligible for exemptions or waivers.
Fee Exemptions
An exemption is provided for certain students who are, by statutory definition, exempt from the payment of tuition and fees, including lab fees. Exemptions are primarily identified in section (s.) 1009.25, Florida Statutes (F.S.)
Some of the available exemptions include, but are not limited to:
- Dual enrollment
- Apprenticeship
- Department of Children and Families (DCF) Exemptions (Foster Care, Adoption, Custody of a Relative, etc.)
- Welfare Transition Program
- Experiencing Homelessness
- Children and spouses of deceased law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders
Fee Waivers
A waiver occurs when a student has their fees (usually out-of-state fees) waived or forgiven by an institution. Some waivers are discretionary, while others are mandatory and are subject to certain statutory limitations for reporting and funding purposes. Waivers are primarily identified in s. 1009.26, F.S.
Some of the available waivers include, but are not limited to:
- State employees
- College employees and their dependents
- Veteran and active military waivers
- Certain classroom teachers
- Wrongfully incarcerated persons
- Spouses of deceased state employees
- Linkage Institutes
Additional Information
- About Financial Aid
- Florida residency for tuition purposes
Relevant Florida Statutes
- 112.19 - Law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers; death benefits
- 112.191 - Firefighters; death benefits
- 112.1915 - Teachers and school administrators; death benefits
- 288.8175 - Linkage institutes between postsecondary institutions in this state and foreign countries
- 440.16 - Compensation for death
- 961.06 - Compensation for wrongful incarceration
- 1011.80 - Funds for operation of workforce education programs
- 1009.21 - Determination of resident status for tuition purposes
- 1009.25 – Fee exemptions
- 1009.26 – Fee Waivers
- 1009.265 - State employee fee waivers
Relevant Florida State Board of Education Rules
- 6A-10.044 – Residency for Tuition Purposes
- 6A-14.0305 - Out-of-State Fee Waiver for Veterans and Other Eligible Students
- 6A-14.0306 - Death Benefits for Survivors of First Responders and Military Members
- 6A-14.0542 - Tuition Waiver for Classroom Teachers
- 6A-20.003 - Florida Residency as a Requirement for the Receipt of State Student Aid
