Planning for college in Florida? The Bright Futures Scholarship Program offers significant financial aid to eligible high school graduates—but only if you meet all the Bright Futures requirements. From academic benchmarks and residency rules to service hours and application deadlines, this guide explains everything you need to know to qualify. Whether you're aiming for the Florida Academic Scholars or Florida Medallion Scholars award, understanding these requirements early will help you stay on track and improve your chances for success.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a Bright Futures Scholarship, students must meet a set of core eligibility requirements. These are designed to ensure that recipients demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, a commitment to community service, and a strong connection to the state of Florida. The following sections detail the basic criteria that apply across all Bright Futures award levels.
Florida Residency
Applicants must be Florida residents and U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, as determined by the student's postsecondary institution. Residency is typically verified through the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) and supporting documents such as a Florida driver’s license, voter registration, or proof of domicile. Furthermore, the student must graduate from a Florida public high school or a registered Florida Department of Education private high school.
High School Completion
Students are required to receive a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalent. This diploma must be awarded by a Florida public high school, a registered private high school, or through a home education program that meets the state’s requirements. Graduation must occur within the academic year in which the student applies for the Bright Futures Scholarship.
Academic Course Requirements
Bright Futures applicants must complete a specific set of high school courses. These include:
- 4 credits of English (with substantial writing)
- 4 credits of mathematics (at or above Algebra I level)
- 3 credits of natural science (with lab components)
- 3 credits of social science
- 2 credits of world language (in the same language)
These courses align with Florida's high school graduation requirements and are essential for both the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) tiers.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A minimum weighted GPA is required, calculated using only the Bright Futures-required courses:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): 3.5 weighted GPA
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): 3.0 weighted GPA
Students must ensure their GPA meets the necessary threshold at the time of high school graduation.
Standardized Test Scores
Eligible students must achieve qualifying scores on either the SAT or ACT:
- FAS: Minimum 1330 SAT or 29 ACT composite score
- FMS: Minimum 1210 SAT or 25 ACT composite score
Scores must be submitted by the established deadlines, and super scoring (combining highest section scores across multiple test dates) is permitted.
Community Service or Work Hours
All applicants must complete a minimum number of documented hours of community service or paid work experience:
- FAS: 100 hours of community service or 100 hours of paid work
- FMS: 75 hours of community service or 100 hours of paid work
These hours must be completed during high school and approved by the student’s school district or registered private school.
Application Submission
All students must submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 following their high school graduation. This is a mandatory step to be considered for any Bright Futures award, regardless of eligibility status at the time of application.
No Felony Record
Applicants must not have been found guilty of, or pled nolo contendere to, a felony charge unless they have been granted clemency. This condition underscores the program's intent to support students who demonstrate both academic and civic responsibility.
By meeting these basic eligibility requirements, students position themselves to take advantage of one of Florida’s most valuable educational funding opportunities.
Academic Achievement Standards
Academic achievement is the cornerstone of eligibility for Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The program sets rigorous standards to ensure that recipients exemplify academic excellence and are well-prepared for postsecondary education. These standards vary slightly depending on the scholarship tier—Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)—but all emphasize consistent scholastic performance and preparedness.
GPA Requirements
To qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship, students must meet minimum grade point average (GPA) thresholds based on a weighted high school GPA in core academic courses. As of the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Requires a minimum weighted GPA of 3.50 in the required high school courses.
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Requires a minimum weighted GPA of 3.00 in the required high school courses.
The GPA is calculated using a standardized Bright Futures GPA calculation which includes specific courses in English, math, science, social studies, and world languages.
Required Coursework
Eligibility for Bright Futures is also contingent upon completing a set of 16 core academic credits as mandated by the Florida Department of Education. These include:
- 4 credits in English (with substantial writing)
- 4 credits in Math (at or above Algebra I level)
- 3 credits in Natural Science (two with lab components)
- 3 credits in Social Science (including U.S. History, World History, Government, and Economics)
- 2 credits in the same World Language
These courses must be completed at a Florida public high school or a registered private school with an approved curriculum.
Standardized Test Scores
In addition to GPA and coursework, standardized test scores are a key component of academic eligibility:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Requires a minimum SAT score of 1330 or an ACT composite score of 29.
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Requires a minimum SAT score of 1210 or an ACT composite score of 25.
These scores must be achieved in a single testing session and submitted to the Florida Department of Education by the final deadline, which typically falls in June of the student’s graduation year.
Evaluation and Verification
The Florida Department of Education evaluates academic records through the Florida Bright Futures Evaluation System. High schools submit transcripts and test scores, and students can monitor their eligibility status through the official Bright Futures portal. Final eligibility is determined after high school graduation, once all academic credentials have been verified.
Academic Exceptions and Flexibility
While the program maintains strict academic standards, there are limited exceptions. For example, students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) programs may qualify through alternative pathways. Additionally, students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations or slightly modified academic criteria, provided they meet equivalent levels of academic rigor.
Importance of Academic Planning
Because Bright Futures is closely tied to high school academic performance, early planning is essential. Students are encouraged to meet with guidance counselors starting in their freshman year to ensure their course selections and academic trajectory align with Bright Futures requirements. Regular monitoring of GPA and testing benchmarks can significantly increase a student’s chance of qualifying for this valuable scholarship.
Service and Activity Requirements
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program places strong emphasis not only on academic performance but also on student engagement in community service and work-based learning. These service and activity requirements are essential components of eligibility and reflect the program's commitment to developing well-rounded, socially responsible individuals.
Community Service Hours
All applicants must complete a specified number of community service hours to qualify for Bright Futures awards. These requirements vary depending on the scholarship tier:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): A minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service is required.
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): A minimum of 75 hours of volunteer service is required.
- Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV): Requires 30 hours of volunteer service.
- Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC): Also requires 30 hours of volunteer service.
Community service must be approved by the school district, private school, or home education program prior to commencement. The activities must be non-paid, non-school-related, and benefit the community. Documentation must include verification from the service organization as well as a student reflection on the experience.
Paid Work Hours Alternative
As of recent updates to the program, students now have the option to fulfill the service hour requirement through paid work experience. This change allows students who face economic or scheduling barriers to traditional volunteer work to still qualify for Bright Futures.
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): 100 hours of paid work can be submitted in lieu of volunteer hours.
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): 75 hours of paid work meets the requirement.
- Florida Gold Seal Programs: 30 hours of paid work are acceptable for both GSV and GSC awards.
Work hours must be documented appropriately, including employer verification and a student reflection detailing the value of the experience and its contribution to personal and community growth.
Guidelines for Acceptable Activities
To ensure consistency, the Florida Department of Education provides specific criteria for what qualifies as suitable service or work activities:
- Activities must be supervised by an adult not related to the student.
- Service must be performed for a non-profit organization unless waived for exceptional cases.
- The student must not receive academic credit or payment (for service hours).
- Time spent must be accurately logged with dates, hours, and a description of duties.
For paid work, the experience must align with educational and career goals, and students must demonstrate how the employment contributed to their development.
Submission and Verification
All service and work hours must be completed by high school graduation and submitted to the student’s school counselor or district-designated representative. Schools are responsible for verifying and reporting completed hours to the Florida Department of Education.
Students are advised to begin service or work activities early in their high school career to ensure they meet the requirements without last-minute pressure. Proper planning and documentation are essential for a smooth verification process.
Importance of Service and Work Experience
The inclusion of service and work requirements in the Bright Futures Program fosters responsibility, leadership, and civic engagement among Florida’s youth. These experiences help students develop soft skills, build professional networks, and gain insights into potential career paths—complementing their academic achievements and preparing them for postsecondary success.
Application Process Requirements
Timeline for Application
Students interested in applying for the Bright Futures Scholarship must begin the process during their final year of high school. The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is the official application for all state-funded financial aid programs, including Bright Futures. It becomes available through the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) on October 1 of each year and must be submitted no later than August 31 following high school graduation.
It’s highly recommended that students submit their application as early as possible to ensure timely evaluation and award consideration.
Required Documentation
To complete the Bright Futures application process, students must provide:
- A completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
- High school transcripts (submitted by the school)
- Official SAT or ACT scores sent directly to the Florida Department of Education (DOE)
- Documentation of community service hours (verified by school district or private school administrator)
It’s important to note that students do not need to choose a specific Bright Futures award type when applying; eligibility for specific tiers is determined automatically based on academic and service qualifications.
Submission Process
After submitting the FFAA, students should regularly monitor their application status through their online OSFA account. High schools coordinate with the DOE to submit transcripts and verify service hours, while students are responsible for ensuring their standardized test scores are reported correctly.
Test scores must be submitted by June 30 following graduation, and service hours must be completed and documented by the same date.
Step-by-Step Guidance
- Create an OSFA student account starting October 1 of your senior year.
- Complete and submit the FFAA no later than August 31 after graduation.
- Ensure SAT/ACT scores are sent to the DOE. Use code 9999 for SAT and ACT submissions.
- Complete required community service hours and have them verified by your school.
- Graduate with the appropriate GPA and coursework needed for the specific scholarship tier.
- Track your application status and award eligibility through the OSFA student portal.
- Accept your award through your college or university’s financial aid office.
Academic Requirements
Eligibility for Bright Futures is tiered, with each level requiring specific academic benchmarks:
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS):
- Minimum weighted GPA of 3.50 in core academic courses
- 1330 SAT or 29 ACT composite score
- 100 hours of community service
Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS):
- Minimum weighted GPA of 3.00 in core academic courses
- 1210 SAT or 25 ACT composite score
- 75 hours of community service
All applicants must complete the required 16 high school course credits, including English, math, science, social studies, and electives, as defined by the Florida Department of Education.
Follow-Up Procedures
Once a student has been awarded, the scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the eligible postsecondary institution after verification of enrollment. Students should check with their school’s financial aid office for final confirmation of award amounts and to ensure their institutional records align with the Bright Futures award.
Additionally, students are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their high school guidance counselors and the OSFA for updates and clarification throughout the application process.
Meeting the Bright Futures requirements may seem complex, but with careful planning and early action, students can put themselves in a strong position to earn one of Florida’s most valuable scholarships. Focus on your coursework, test scores, and service hours—and stay connected with your school counselor to verify every requirement is completed on time. Ready to secure your future? Start tracking your progress today and take one step closer to earning free college tuition in Florida.
