Florida Bright Futures is a state scholarship based mainly on academic achievement, service or work, and residency—not an automatic need-based grant. Its Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) tracks have different criteria. Do not confuse them with the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), which is need-based and follows a different process.
For the 2026–27 graduating class, the handbook lists a 3.50 weighted GPA, 16 academic credits, ACT 29, CLT 95, or SAT 1330, and 100 community-service hours or authorized work/service combinations for FAS. FMS requires a 3.00 GPA, its own course minimums, ACT 24, CLT 82, or SAT 1190, and 75 service hours or 100 paid/combine hours. Check the official chapter for each cohort’s exact coursework and accepted tests.
The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) for 2026 seniors was due between October 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026; that window has closed. Florida warns that late filing may prevent consideration except under specific rules or exceptions. For 2027 graduates, do not copy the prior class’s calendar; check the new handbook when it is posted.
FAS may cover 100% of tuition and applicable fees at public institutions; FMS generally covers 75%, with exceptions for some associate programs in the Florida College System. Private colleges use a comparable table. Award amounts depend on credits, course type, and renewal; the campus aid statement shows the actual calculation and any excluded course.
If you filed FFAA, check the portal for transcript, service-hour, test-score, and school records; your college must also receive the information. If you missed the date, ask about other state or institutional scholarships still accepting applications and keep FAFSA filed for federal aid. The Bright Futures profile separates FAS/FMS, and the Student Financial Assistance profile links to the official portal.
Before budgeting, request a written offer separating tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, and transportation. State grants often reduce only eligible charges and may change after Pell or other scholarships are applied. Do not commit money based on a chart maximum.
Your campus office should confirm missing documents, institutional eligibility, and disbursement timing. The program profile expands on the criteria; the public-agency profile links to applications, deadlines, and official help.
2026–27 Bright Futures Handbook, Chapter 1 — Florida Department of Education.
Bright Futures Handbook, Chapter 2 — Florida Department of Education.
Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs — Florida Department of Education.
Research checked on October 12, 2026 against official or institutional sources. Past deadlines are identified, and eligibility is distinguished from an actual award. Confirm the cycle, your file, and available funds with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
FAS and FMS are not interchangeable: compare GPA, coursework, tests, and hours, and verify the portal received each record before assuming an award.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
FAS may cover 100% and FMS generally 75% of public tuition/fees; GPA, coursework, test, and service criteria differ.
Florida merit-based state scholarship
Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
Administers Bright Futures and other state programs and provides applications, handbooks, and student portal.
State office for scholarships, grants, and student financial aid
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Florida DOE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Florida DOE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Florida DOE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) ↗
Primary source
Florida DOE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.