Residency for tuition purposes is governed by the section 1009.21, Florida Statutes and Rules 6A-10.044, Florid Administrative Code. The student, who is classified as an out of state and wants to request classification to in-state status, must complete a residency statement and provide all necessary supportive documentation
Documentary Evidence
The evidentiary requirement for reclassification goes beyond that for an initial classification, because these individuals have previously been determined to be out-of-state residents. An individual who is initially classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes only if that individual, or his or her parent if that individual is a dependent child, supports permanent residency in this state for 12 consecutive months. The individual, or his or her parent if that individual is a dependent child, must present documentation that substantiates residency in this state for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile, rather than for the purpose of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education.
Therefore, the burden of proof is on the student to show: (1) residency in Florida for the requisite 12-month period; and (2) residency in the state was not merely temporary or incident to enrolling in a college or university located in Florida. Documentation for meeting the first requirement of reclassification is the same as for initial classification. Additional evidence or documentation may be required for meeting the second requirement of reclassification. Examples of evidence that may substantiate residency in this state for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile may include:
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) is not enrolled full time in a Florida higher education institution during the previous 12 months.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) has maintained a full-time permanent job in Florida during the previous 12 months. Full-time employment is considered one or more permanent jobs for a minimum of 30 hours a week.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) was transferred to a full-time permanent job in Florida prior to initial enrollment as confirmed on corporate or organizational letterhead.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) has an immediate relative (i.e., parent or child) who is currently living in Florida and who has resided in this state for the previous 12 months.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) has purchased a home in Florida as primary residence (evidenced by a homestead exemption) prior to initial enrollment.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) has received a military discharge and established residency in Florida prior to initial enrollment.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) received social service benefits (e.g., disability) from the State of Florida during the previous 12 months.
Student (or parent/legal guardian if dependent) lost their house or other domicile in another state due to severe natural disaster or crisis resulting in a state of emergency (e.g., hurricane or earthquake) that occurred prior to initial enrollment.
Additional information regarding reclassification criteria may be found in the Guidelines of Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes. The Residency Change Request Worksheet along with the Residency Reclassification Financial Statement form, if you are claiming independent, must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s office with copies of the supportive documentation. We recommend that you do this as soon as you feel you are eligible to be considered in state and strongly encourage that you submit along with your form supportive documentation. Not submitting the supportive documentation will delay this review.
