FLORIDA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for in-state tuition at Indian River State College, you must prove that you are a Florida resident. We’re here to help you through this process to ensure you are getting the best tuition rate based on eligibility.

Simply living in Florida for 12 months while attending college does not automatically grant residency for tuition purposes.

This page details Indian River State College’s process for validation of Florida residency for tuition purposes in compliance with the provisions of Florida Statute 1009.21, State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.044 and Florida State Residency Guidelines.

This Residency Procedure is intended to be a guide, not a legal document (IRSC 581, ResiProcedure 5/17). Please be sure to look over the official policy language in the bottom section of this page for full details or contact us for assistance.

Who Can Qualify for Florida Resident Tuition?

To qualify, you must meet all three of the following requirements:

  1. Legal Status: Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible legal alien.
  2. Residency Proof: Submit a Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes (Form FRD-1) along with two documents proving you have lived in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of classes.
  3. Dependent vs. Independent Status:
    • If you are under 24, your parent or guardian must prove their residency.
    • If you are 24 or older, married, a veteran, or financially independent, you can qualify on your own.

How to Apply for Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, you must submit documents proving your residency. These documents must be submitted before the first day of classes for the term you are applying for. Residency is determined each term, meaning you must provide proof before your first term as a Florida resident.

Important: Once classes begin, tuition rates (in-state or out-of-state) are final and cannot be changed for that term.

Watch this 10-minute video for a step-by-step guide on how to qualify for in-state tuition. A full transcript of the video is available.

If you have questions, contact Student Records at 772-462-7460.

Required Residency Documents

To prove Florida residency, you must submit at least two documents:

Primary Documents (Tier 1) (at least one required):

  • Florida driver’s license or state ID
  • Florida vehicle registration
  • Florida voter registration card
  • Proof of homeownership (primary residence) or homestead exemption
  • Proof of full-time employment in Florida (at least 30 hours/week for 12 months)
  • High school transcript showing multiple years of enrollment (for dependent students)

Additional Supporting Documents (Tier 2):

  • Florida professional or occupational license
  • Declaration of domicile in Florida
  • Florida business incorporation
  • Proof of Florida-based membership in a professional or charitable organization
  • Lease agreement, utility bill, or official state/federal records showing Florida residency

Note: Documents must be dated at least 12 months before the start of classes.

Special Residency Exceptions

Certain students may qualify for in-state tuition even if they don’t meet the standard residency rules. Some exceptions include:

  • Military members and their families (active duty stationed in Florida or National Guard)
  • Students who were classified as Florida residents in a previous college term
  • Full-time Florida public school teachers and their dependents
  • Florida Pre-Paid College Program beneficiaries

For a full list of exceptions, see the official policy section below.

Reclassifying as a Florida Resident

If you were previously classified as out-of-state but now meet residency requirements, you can apply for reclassification. To do this, you must provide three documents that prove Florida residency for at least 12 months before your request.

Important: Living in Florida or attending school does not automatically grant residency. Your documentation must clearly show permanent residency outside of school enrollment.

Residency Appeals

If your residency request is denied, you can submit a Residency Petition for In-State Tuition to the Residency Appeals Committee. This petition must include supporting documents explaining why you believe you qualify. Forms are available at any campus, and decisions will be provided in writing.

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