Financial Aid in Florida (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Florida's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Florida FAFSA deadline for state aid
May 15, 2026 (date processed).
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Florida grant programs
Bright Futures Scholarship
Merit scholarship covering most or all tuition at Florida public colleges based on GPA, test scores, and service hours.
Florida Student Assistance Grant
Need-based grant for Florida residents attending eligible in-state schools.
Administered by Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Florida students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Floridastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Florida?
For 2026–27 state aid: May 15, 2026 (date processed). The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Florida offer?
Bright Futures Scholarship: Merit scholarship covering most or all tuition at Florida public colleges based on GPA, test scores, and service hours. Florida Student Assistance Grant: Need-based grant for Florida residents attending eligible in-state schools. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Florida resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Florida?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.