Bright Futures has several award levels, but for many high-school students the key comparison is Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) versus Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS). Students apply through Florida Student Financial Aid (OSFA) using the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA); the FAFSA is separate, though it may be needed for other aid. The current handbook separates cohorts by graduation year: students graduating in 2027–28 and seeking 2028–29 funding may file the FFAA from October 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Do not use an earlier year’s chart to decide whether you qualify.
FAS requires a 3.50 weighted Bright Futures GPA, 16 college-preparatory credits, at least 29 ACT, 96 CLT or 1350 SAT, and 100 volunteer, paid-work or combined hours for that cohort. FMS sets a 3.00 GPA, the same 16 credits, 25 ACT, 83 CLT or 1200 SAT; it requires 75 hours for volunteer-only service and 100 when paid or combined hours are used. Hours must be documented and completed under state rules. The academic record and weighted GPA follow official calculations, not simply the overall report-card average.
The practical sequence is: create an account in the state portal; submit the FFAA during senior year; follow OSFA emails; confirm the high school sent the transcript, GPA and graduation date; and track the evaluation status. Under the handbook, accepted tests may be taken through August 31 of the graduation year. Florida public schools generally transmit records electronically, while some private schools and nontraditional routes require extra coordination. If the portal is missing a test or course, contact the counselor and OSFA before the final date and keep proof of every submission.
The award tier also changes the budget. For 2026–27, handbook Chapter 2 says FAS covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees at eligible public institutions, while FMS covers 75%; FMS covers 100% of those charges for associate-degree students in the Florida College System. Private colleges use comparable amounts under separate charts, not a promise to cover the full bill. Bright Futures is credited through the college and has hour and duration limits; budget separately for housing, meals, books and transport with the financial-aid office.
The program website features graduates who say Bright Futures reduced debt and gave them more room to focus on internships or studies. These are selected stories, not a guarantee that a student will receive FAS or that every cost will be covered. Request a written net-cost estimate, confirm whether the evaluation assigns FAS or FMS, and review how the award renews based on college credits and GPA. OSFA lists (888) 827-2004 and osfa@fldoe.org; the institution confirms disbursement and any balance still due.
Compare the options and confirm eligibility and deadlines directly with the program before applying.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) — Bright Futures
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1344, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) is the highest merit tier within Bright Futures. For the group seeking funding in 2028–29—students graduating high school in 2027–28—the handbook checked requires a 3.50 weighted Bright Futures GPA in the relevant coursework, 16 college-preparatory credits, a minimum
Florida Academic Scholars: 3.50 weighted GPA, required coursework, test score and 100 hours; covers tuition and applicable fees at eligible public institutions under the handbook
Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) — Bright Futures
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1344, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) is another Bright Futures route, with a different academic threshold from FAS. For students graduating in 2027–28 and seeking 2028–29 funding, the handbook sets a 3.00 weighted GPA, 16 college-preparatory credits and a minimum 25 ACT, 83 CLT or 1200 SAT score. Servic
Florida Medallion Scholars: a lower academic threshold than FAS, with 75 volunteer hours or 100 paid/combined hours; public tuition coverage varies by program type
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) — Bright Futures ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.