GENERAL OVERVIEW

FLORIDA RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES

Whether you are claiming Florida residency on your initial application or whether you are attempting to change your residency status in hope for qualifying for in state tuition, the rules are the same for all persons.

Florida statute requires the claimant (the person claiming residency) to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien student or the dependent student’s parent/legal guardian.  The student or guardian “resident” must have established and maintained a legal Florida residence for at least 12 months before the first day of the semester for which in-state status is sought.

In-state status is only for those residents who reside in the state permanently with established legal domicile in Florida.  Permanent Florida residency is demonstrated by the absence of ties to any other state.  An out-of-state permanent address on pertinent records is not indication of established legal domicile in Florida.

Permanent residence is evaluated for the domicile year associated with the initial term of entry to FIU or the term for which you are seeking reclassification.  A copy of a federal income tax return substantiating residency and dependent or independent student status will be required.

Students are either dependent or independent.  In rare cases, a student may qualify for temporary in-state status by qualifying under an exception category.   Please find additional links with helpful information:

• What is a dependent student?
• What is an independent student?
• What are the exceptions?
• Guidelines of Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

Initial Classification (New FIU Students)

For new students changing their residency status, you have until the first day of your first term at FIU to complete the Residency Change Request Worksheet and submit appropriate supportive documents to the Office of Admissions at either campus location below..

We strongly recommend that you submit all supportive residency documentation needed as soon as possible.  This will affect your Financial Aid award and may affect eligibility to be considered for new scholarships.

Reclassification (Continuing FIU Students)

To request a change of your residency status to Florida resident, you must be admitted to the university, have completed one term of enrollment and provide documentation of 12 months of legal residence in Florida.  If you feel you have satisfied these basic qualifications, you can submit the Residency Change Request Worksheet along with the supportive documentation to the Registrar’s Office at either campus location below.

Initial and Re-Classification (Non Degree Students)

To request a change of your residency status to Florida resident, you must have completed one term of enrollment (continuing students only) and provide documentation of 12 months of legal residence in Florida.  If you feel you have satisfied these basic qualifications, you can submit the Residency Change Request Worksheet along with the supportive documentation to the Registrar’s Office at either campus location below.