Bill > S0428

This bill revises Florida's laws regarding who qualifies as a resident for tuition purposes at state colleges and universities, aiming to make it easier for certain students to pay in-state tuition. Key changes include broadening the definition of a "dependent child" to include those not deemed independent for federal financial aid, and allowing a dependent child to qualify as a resident if they live with a non-parent relative who is a legal resident, provided the child has lived with that relative for a shorter period than previously required. Importantly, the bill prohibits denying resident tuition status to a U.S. citizen dependent child solely based on their parent's immigration status. It also introduces a pathway for U.S. citizens who attended and graduated from a Florida high school to qualify for resident tuition, even if their parents are not residents, by using their high school transcript as proof of residency. The bill also clarifies that marrying a Florida resident can lead to reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes, and that once classified as a resident, a student's status generally won't be re-evaluated unless there's evidence of an error or a long break in enrollment. Furthermore, it expands the categories of individuals automatically classified as residents for tuition, including honorably discharged veterans who reside in the state, and allows state universities and Florida College System institutions to adopt policies for tuition and fee waivers based on specific student eligibility, such as having attended and graduated from a Florida high school, without solely relying on state residency. Finally, it provides a fee exemption for students who meet certain residency and high school attendance requirements and commit to applying for permanent residency in the U.S. when eligible.