Documents for Proof of Residency

To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, an applicant or the dependent applicant’s parent/legal guardian must establish and maintain legal residency in Florida. The documents supporting the establishment of legal residency must be dated, issued or filed 12 months immediately prior to the first day of classes of the semester for which a Florida resident classification is sought. These supporting residency documents must be received in the Registrar’s Office by the end of the regular posted add/drop period for that semester. All documentation is subject to verification. Additional documentation, other than what is stated below, may be requested in some cases.

If an applicant qualifies for a residency exception or qualification, then appropriate documentation must be submitted to evidence entitlement to that exception or qualification. Such evidence is generally specific to the type of residency exception or qualification being claimed by the applicant.

If an applicant does not qualify for a residency exception or qualification, he/she will have to submit documentation that he/she (or a parent if a dependent) has been a Florida resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for which the student is enrolling. At least two of the following documents must be submitted with dates that evidence the 12-month qualifying period. At least one of the documents must be from the First Tier. As some evidence is more persuasive than others, more than two may be requested. No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive.

The documents must include at least one of the following:
1. a Florida voter’s registration card
2. a Florida driver’s license
3. a State of Florida identification card (must not possess a valid driver’s license from another state)
4. a Florida vehicle registration
5. proof of a permanent home in Florida which is occupied as a primary residence by the individual or by the individual’s parent if the individual is a dependent child
6. proof of a homestead exemption in Florida
7. transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years if the Florida high school diploma or GED was earned within the last 12 months
8. proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a 12-month period
The documents may include one or more of the following:
1. a declaration of domicile in Florida
2. a Florida professional or occupational license
3. Florida incorporation
4. a document evidencing family ties to a Florida resident, as defined by tuition purposes
5. proof of membership in a Florida-based charitable or professional organization
6. any other documentation that supports the student’s request for resident status, including, but not limited to, utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; or an official state, federal or court document evidencing legal ties to Florida.

Examples of documents that may not be used:

Hunting/fishing licenses
Library cards
Shopping club/rental cards
Birth certificate
Passport
Social Security Card
Florida Concealed Weapons permit
Insurance Card

NOTE: Retroactive changes and refunds for prior semesters will not be made.

Academic Catalog

Documents for Proof of Residency