Establishing Florida Residency

• Residency for Tuition Purposes
• Qualifying for In-State Residency
• What is a dependent student?
• What is an independent student?
• What are the exceptions?
• Helpful Terminology
  

With very few exceptions, a dependent student is considered to be a legal resident of the same state as the student's parents.

To qualify for in-state status for tuition purposes, the parent of the dependent student must complete the initial Residency Classification or the Request for Residency Change form on behalf of the student.

The Parent must Provide Evidence to Substantiate

1. Legal ties to the state of Florida - At least one document must be dated or issued at least 12 months before the first day of the semester for which Florida residency is sought. No single document is conclusive.

   Moreover, the parent must also demonstrate the absence of legal ties to another state and establishment of a bona fide domicile in Florida (rather than maintaining a temporary residence incidental to enrollment at the university). Continued legal ties to another state contradict establishment of Florida domicile.

• Florida driver's license
  
• Florida vehicle registration
  
• Florida voter's registration
  
• Declaration of domicile
  
• Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida
  
• Florida occupation/professional license
  
• Florida incorporation or other evidence of legal residence in Florida
2. Proof of the student's dependent status


• A copy of your most recent federal income tax return indicating that you claimed the student as a dependent, or
• A notarized letter indicating that you provide a minimum of 51% of the student's support.