Bright Futures is a group of Florida lottery-funded scholarships for graduates attending eligible postsecondary institutions in the state. Its main categories include Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS); their standards and coverage rates are not identical.
For 2026–27 graduates, the current handbook sets FAS at a 3.50 weighted GPA, required coursework, ACT 29 or CLT 95 or SAT 1330, and 100 volunteer-service, paid-work, or combined hours. FMS requires a 3.00 GPA, ACT 24 or CLT 82 or SAT 1190, and, depending on the option, 75 volunteer hours or 100 work hours or a combination. Alternative routes exist for certain diplomas and recognition programs.
The award applies to specified tuition and fees according to award type, institution, course load, and term; it should not be treated as unrestricted housing or book money. Renewal requires maintaining the GPA and earning the funded credits set by the handbook. A lower GPA may move an FAS recipient to another category, while course withdrawals can affect renewal.
2026 graduates had to submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) during a window that closed August 31, 2026, so the initial 2026–27 deadline has passed. For the next class, confirm dates and standards in that year’s handbook, create an OSFA account, and file the state application as well as FAFSA when appropriate. The college certifies credits, eligibility, and disbursement.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
Bright Futures Student Handbook — Chapter 1 — Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Bright Futures — Renewal and award length — Florida OSFA.
Bright Futures program portal — Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
For 2026–27 graduates, the current handbook sets FAS at a 3.50 weighted GPA, required coursework, ACT 29 or CLT 95 or SAT 1330, and 100 volunteer-service, paid-work, or combined hours. FMS requires a 3.00 GPA, ACT 24 or CLT 82 or SAT 1190, and, depending on the option, 75 volunteer hours or 100 work hours or a combination. Alternative routes exist for certain diplomas and recognition programs.
Public student-aid program
Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Florida OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) ↗
Primary source
Florida OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.