Applicants must be a Florida resident during the 12 months prior to the first day of classes at a community college. Students can receive in-state tuition rates if they are a dependent of a Florida resident who has lived in the state for the past 12 months. The purchase of a home or proof of setting up permanent residency may be accepted in certain circumstances, and must be approved by the college during the admission process.
For standard proof of residency, you must show two forms of documentation proving you are a Florida resident. Approved documents include a Florida driver's license, Florida state identification card, Florida voter's registration card and Florida vehicle registration with VIN and plate number. When completing your application, fill in this information in the residency section of application and be prepared to show proof in person upon request. If using a domicile declaration as proof of residency, you may be required to show proof of a Florida incorporation, Florida professional or occupational license, utility bills sent to your home or document providing family ties in the area.
To be considered a dependent of another person, you must fall under the category of dependents according to the tax filing codes. The school will require a copy of yours and your guardian's tax returns to prove dependency for residency determination.To be considered a dependent, more than 51 percent of your support must come from another person. A marriage certificate can also be used in some circumstances when the student has moved to the state shortly after being married.
Just because you are considered a non-resident upon being admitted to a Florida community college does not mean that will be your classification the entire time you are a student. If you have moved to the state permanently, you can change your status once you meet residency requirements, prior to registering for the next semester. Residency-status change forms can be downloaded from some community college websites or picked up from admission offices.