Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Application: Updated for the Classes of 2025 and 2026

Attention, Florida high school seniors! The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship application is now officially open online for the Class of 2025.

This Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program is one of the most valuable opportunities available to Florida students, providing financial support that can cover the entirety of tuition and applicable fees at a Florida public college or university—or partial tuition at eligible private postsecondary institutions in Florida. The Bright Futures Scholarship rewards academic achievement and community involvement, making it accessible to students regardless of financial circumstances.

Filing a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship application is a crucial step toward making college more affordable. Don’t miss this opportunity—apply today! For additional details, visit the Florida Bright Futures website or consult the Bright Futures Student Handbook Chapter 1.

Why You Should Apply

Every Florida senior who meets the requirements (scroll down to page 3) should complete the Bright Futures application. Even if a student is not planning to attend a Florida college immediately, applying ensures that if they transfer to a Florida institution later, the scholarship funds will be waiting for them. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2025, so don’t wait!

Applying takes less than five minutes, and there are absolutely no downsides to completing the application.

Steps to Complete the Application

1. Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) Scholarships & Grants website.
2. Create a Student Account: Click on the “Create a Student Account” link under the “First-Time Applicants” section.
3. Enter Demographic Information: Provide your Social Security number, date of birth, high school graduation date, and contact information.
4. Submit and access the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA): Once your account is created, you will be redirected to complete the FFAA.
5. Fill Out Required Sections:

Demographic Information: Provide any additional details requested, including information for the José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund if applicable (for students or students with parents born in Mexico or a Hispanic country of the Caribbean, Central or South America, regardless of race). You will need to provide additional information in the José Martí section by April 1 of the year of high school graduation per the requirements to be considered for this need-based merit scholarship.

Academic Background: Include the student’s high school and list the colleges they’re considering attending, whether in-state or out-of-state. At least one Florida school should be listed for eligibility purposes—this can be updated later.

Make sure all information is accurate before submitting the application. After submitting, look for an email confirmation, which will include your login credentials to check and update your application as needed.

Scholarship Details

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): 

• Covers up to 100% of tuition and applicable fees at a Florida public college or university.
• Students attending private colleges in Florida receive a comparable amount based on the Private Award Chart.

Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): 

• Covers up to 75% of tuition and applicable fees at a Florida public college or university.
• Students attending private colleges in Florida receive a comparable award amount.

Both scholarships are valid for up to five years after high school graduation, though students who defer their awards must reapply to reinstate them.

Key Notes for College Entrance Exams and Special Curricula

College Entrance Exams:

Students must meet minimum score requirements for the ACT, SAT, or CLT (Classic Learning Test). The CLT is an alternative standardized test accepted by certain colleges, measuring achievement in reading, grammar, and math.

AICE and IB Students:

Students earning the AICE or IB Diploma do not need to meet SAT or ACT minimum scores to qualify. Diplomas must be earned before high school graduation. Full details on required AICE or IB curricula can be found in Chapter 1 of the Bright Futures Student Handbook.

Why Apply Early?

Funds for some state scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applying early ensures that you won’t miss out. Even if a student is unsure about their college plans, securing this scholarship provides a safety net for their future.

Changes for Students in the Class of 2026

Eligiblity for Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship program will change for the high school Class of 2026 and beyond.

Eligibility criteria for students graduating in 2026 and later will be lowered.

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)

Covers 100% of tuition and fees:

• SAT Score: Reduced from 1330 to 1300
• ACT Score: Reduced from 29 to 28
• CLT Score: Reduced from 96 to 95
• GPA Requirement: Remains unchanged at 3.5 weighted

Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)

Covers 75% of tuition and fees:

• SAT Score: Reduced from 1200 to 1180
• ACT Score: Reduced from 26 to 25
• CLT Score: Reduced from 84 to 82
• GPA Requirement: Remains unchanged at 3.0 weighted

The Florida Legislature approved these changes to make the scholarship accessible to a wider range of students. The changes reflect a response to lower overall performance on standardized tests rather than a deliberate easing of standards.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS

Gain the edge in college admissions with ICC. We offer strategies that may increase your student’s chances of admission to the colleges of their choice. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email us.