Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes
Who is a Florida Resident?
To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or certain individuals granted indefinite stay by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Living in or attending school in Florida does NOT establish legal residence. Students who depend on out-of-state parents for support are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents unless one parent has established legal residence in Florida for more than 12 months. Two (2) documents supporting the establishment of legal residence must be dated, issued, or filed 12 months before the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought. Students cannot hold out-of-state driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, etc. and be eligible for Florida residency.
Initial Classification
The Residency Declaration is to be completed upon admission and/or re-admission to Gulf Coast State College to determine residency for tuition purposes. Completion of the Residency Affidavit involves two primary steps which include:
Reclassification
A person who is classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes if that person or, if that person is a dependent child, his or her parent presents clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in this state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes of the term for which reclassification is sought rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education. Students requesting reclassification must complete the Request for Residency Reclassification form and submit copies of all required documentation. Reclassification requires at least three documents from the lists on the Reclassification form. Submissions should be made to the Enrollment Services office at the Panama City campus no later than the last day of drop/add for the semester in which you are seeking a residency reclassification.
Residency Appeals
Residency decisions may be appealed, in writing. Submit the Residency Appeal form with all supporting documentation to the Enrollment Services office on the Panama City campus, attention to a Enrollment Services Coordinator. The appeal will be reviewed and a response provided to the student’s Gulf Coast State College email account.
Source Florida Department of Education/Guidelines for Florida Residency For Tuition Purposes