Living in Florida for longer than one year does not automatically qualify a student for in-state tuition. Several common legal requirements such as holding a Florida's driver's license are required, in addition to full-time employment for 12 months and proof of a permanent domicile. If these requirements cannot be fulfilled, other options exist for the dependent student, but he must complete a change of residency form.
Potential students may purchase homes to affirm their residency. Note that any legal relationship to other states may disqualify a Florida A&M student from in-state tuition. Establishing other legal ties to Florida is required. For instance, vehicle registration or the aforementioned driver's license is still required. A full list is available in the Resources section.
Residential exclusions apply. Students are not allowed to have out-of-state financial support even if they are dependents for income tax purposes. Fraternity, dorms and sorority houses are not permitted to establish residency.
Dependent students acquire 50 percent or more of their income from a guardian's source. In this case, the parent or guardian must submit the residency documentation.
Independent students are generally over 24 years old or a graduate student. Other independent student classifications follows federal guidelines: over age 24, ex-military, married, full-time worker, grad student, parents, homeless or previous foster care or ward of the court. Full-time work is considered 30 hours per week or more with no succession of temporary jobs. It is important to obtain as much evidence as possible for the committee to make a determination.
Seven categories of exemptions are accessible to potential residents. Marriage to a Florida resident is an acceptable exemption. Florida public school employees or administrators and their immediate relatives are also recognized. Specific state jobs qualify if they receive funding from student fees. It's best for applicants to check with their human resources for more information. Florida Prepaid College Program participants, Florida National Guard employees, Latin American/Caribbean Scholarship and graduate students with the Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market may also be eligible.