Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) — Bright Futures

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 29 ACT, 96 CLT or 1350 SAT score, and 100 hours of volunteer service, paid work or a combination. Scores and hours vary by cohort, so do not use an earlier class’s thresholds. Students must be Florida residents and meet diploma, institution and enrollment requirements.

The state application is the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), separate from the FAFSA. For seniors applying for 2028–29 funding, the handbook lists a filing window from October 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Create an account in Florida Student Financial Aid, follow OSFA’s email instructions and submit the FFAA; then complete the required coursework, GPA, test and service/work hours. Florida says qualifying tests may be taken through August 31 of the graduation year. Do not leave documentation until the final weeks: counselors, school registrars and service supervisors may need to verify each item.

FAS is not cash sent directly to a student by the state office. For 2026–27, OSFA’s handbook says it covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees at eligible public institutions; private institutions receive a comparable amount under a separate chart. The college calculates and disburses the award, subject to hour and duration limits. Housing, meals, books and other costs are not automatically paid. Ask the college for a full cost-of-attendance estimate and how Bright Futures, Pell and other aid will appear on the student account.

The official guide recommends creating an account, submitting the FFAA and tracking the award online. Florida public high schools transmit electronic records; registered private schools and nontraditional applicants may need to coordinate official transcripts. Check that the record includes all 16 courses, the correct GPA, graduation date and exam results. If an evaluation is missing or the portal shows ineligible status, contact OSFA and campus financial aid before accepting loans; keep a case number and a copy of every document. The program website features former scholars’ testimonials. For example, a USF health-sciences student says FAS paid her tuition and eased her family’s financial pressure; other graduates describe finishing with less debt and focusing on internships. These are selected personal accounts, not proof that every college expense is covered. OSFA lists (888) 827-2004 and osfa@fldoe.org; use those official channels and ask the college what remains due after the scholarship is applied.