Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program was created to establish a lottery-funded scholarship program to reward any Florida high school graduate who merits recognition of high academic achievement and who enrolls in a degree program, certificate program, or applied technology program at an eligible Florida public or private postsecondary education institution. The four award types are:

• Florida Academic Scholars (BFFAS)
• Florida Medallion Scholarship (BFFMS)
• Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship (BFGSC)
• Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship (BFGSV)

For more information, please visit the OSFA website.

Bright Futures FAQ

How many credit hours do I need to register for to be eligible for payment?

You must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours to receive Bright Futures funding for any term. However, an exception can be made if a student is taking the last class required to graduate.

How is my Bright Futures award calculated?

Bright Futures is awarded based on an evaluation of tier and registered credit hours. Amount awarded may differ by secondary institution.

• Florida Academic Scholars (BFFAS) - Awarded $102.32 per credit hour for any program
• Florida Medallion Scholarship (BFFMS) - Awarded $102.32 per credit hour for Associate programs; Awarded $76.74 per credit hour for Certificate and Bachelor’s programs
• Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship (BFGSC) - Awarded $48 per credit hour for Associate in Science, Bachelors of Science, and Bachelors of Applied Science programs; Awarded $39 per credit hour for Certificate and Applied Technology Diploma programs
• Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship (BFGSV) - Awarded $48 per credit hour for Associate in Science programs; Awarded $39 per credit hour for Certificate and Applied Technology Diploma programs

What if I don’t see my Bright Futures award applied towards my balance?

Log into your Bright Futures account with the State of Florida. In the ‘Application Status & Award History’ section, make sure FGC is listed for the term and year you are enrolled. Also review your demographic information to make sure your name, date of birth and social security number are correct. Finally, review your FGC email to make sure no other information is needed.

I’m thinking about withdrawing or dropping a course, will I owe money back?

Yes. The amount owed is based off the number of credits dropped or withdrawn for the term. Bright Futures will not pay for any more classes until this balance has been paid in full to our institution.

May transient students receive funding?

Yes. Degree-seeking students who attend another institution during the academic year may receive funding if their request is approved by the home institution. Florida Bright Futures scholars enrolled in a public post-secondary institution must submit a Transient Student Admission Application, which is located online at FloridaShines.

Am I eligible to receive funding for the summer?

Students eligible for the following tiers of Bright Futures may receive summer funding:

• Florida Academic Scholars (BFFAS)
• Florida Medallion Scholarship (BFFMS)