Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance — FSAG Public

The Florida Public Student Assistance Grant (FSAG Public) is need-based state aid for degree-seeking students at Florida public universities or Florida College System institutions. Despite its name, it is not a one-time payment that every student requests directly from Tallahassee: state law assigns administration to participating institutions, which receive allocations and determine eligibility and awards each term.

State law requires degree-seeking study, acceptance at a state university or Florida College System institution, and enrollment in at least six semester credits or the equivalent each term. The student must meet Florida’s general student-aid eligibility requirements, demonstrate at least $200 in unmet need, and apply for a Federal Pell Grant. FAFSA and Pell eligibility are considered when the institution assesses available resources.

The amount is tied to demonstrated unmet financial need and is subject to the annual maximum set by the Legislature and the funds allocated to the campus. The statute sets a $200 minimum for an eligible file; it does not mean every applicant receives that amount or that awards are uniform. For 2026–27, OSFA announced a calculated maximum SAI of 9,984 for FSAG Public, Private, and Postsecondary; this eligibility threshold is not the grant amount and does not replace the other rules.

The practical application starts with the 2026–27 FAFSA and admission to a participating campus. The FSAG Public statute does not establish a separate statewide application as a general requirement; the college administers the program, receives state data, and notifies students selected for an award. Ask financial aid about its internal date, additional documents, when credit load is measured, and what happens if you drop below six credits or transfer.

Do not confuse FSAG Public with FSAG Private, Postsecondary, or Career Education. Those categories have separate statutes, institution types, and requirements. The state portal groups them under one program family, but the label “FSAG” alone does not identify which version applies. This guide covers public four-year campuses and the Florida College System, not private universities or technical centres.

Timing matters: the institution determines a student’s eligibility at the end of regular registration, including the drop-add period, and state law does not require it to reopen the decision later. Submit FAFSA promptly, monitor the financial-aid portal, and respond quickly to verification requests. If FSAG is missing from an offer, ask the campus whether it still needs FAFSA, admission, credit-load confirmation, financial-need data, or institutional funds.

<a data-profile="florida-osfa">OSFA maintains the state grant portal and agency contacts</a>; <a data-profile="florida-statute">Florida law sets the requirements for FSAG Public</a>. OSFA lists 888-827-2004 and osfa@fldoe.org; confirm the specific award calculation and deadline with the participating campus financial-aid office.

Who it serves and what it can cover: The Florida Public Student Assistance Grant is administered through participating institutions. State law requires degree-seeking study, at least six semester credits per term, at least $200 in demonstrated unmet need, a Pell Grant application, and acceptance at a state university or Florida College System institution.

How to apply or get help: The OSFA portal links state aid programs and the 2026–27 FAFSA guide. Office contact: 888-827-2004, osfa@fldoe.org. For FSAG Public, the participating campus handles decisions and deadlines. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information