Residency

Independent vs. Dependent

DEPENDENT STUDENT

A dependent student is under the age of 24 and a legal resident of the same state as their parent/legal guardian. To qualify for in-state status, the student's parent/legal guardian must complete the Request for Reclassification on behalf of the student. 

The parent/legal guardian is responsible for providing legal ties to the state of Florida and demonstrating an absence of legal ties with any other state. 

Independent student

A student is considered independent if they meet any of the following requirements:

  • 24 years of age prior to the start of the term OR
  • A graduate student OR
  • Under the age of 24 and married OR
  • Under the age of 24 and has a dependent that receives more than half their support from the student OR
  • A legally emancipated person OR
  • Unaccompanied homeless youth determined by a school district or homeless liaison OR
  • Under the age of 24 AND provides a minimum of 51% of their own support.  

If the student is under 24 years old, the student must document the source of the financial support and clearly demonstrate that the parent/legal guardian is no longer eligible to claim the student as a dependent for federal income tax purposes.