Scholarships for Florida

Sarah E. Huneycutt Scholarship

Due: 5/30/26 No essay No min. GPA Required
$20,000
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District 4 Florida Nurses Scholarship/Research Award Hillsborough County

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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Great 100 Nursing Scholarship Nursing

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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Goodman Family Nursing Scholarship Fund

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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Iona Pettingill Scholarship

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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Charlotte Liddell Scholarship Fund (District 5 Charitable Trust)

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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District 14 Marcy Klosterman Memorial Scholarship Fund Lake County

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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District 21 Louise Fiske Memorial Scholarship Fund

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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District 8 Charlotte Anzalone Scholarship Fund

Due: 6/1/26
Varies
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Key things to know about Florida scholarships

  • Florida scholarships and grants can make college much more affordable. They can reduce tuition and fees and help you spend or borrow less for school.
  • Bright Futures is one of Florida’s most important scholarship programs. It's helped more than 1 million students attend college in the state.
  • Not all Florida aid is based only on grades. You can get scholarships and grants based on financial need, service, background, or career goals.
  • Florida students should look beyond state programs alone. Colleges, local organizations, and employers may all offer scholarships.
  • Applying broadly and staying organized can help maximize your aid. Filing the FAFSA® and tracking deadlines are both important.

College costs can feel overwhelming, but Florida students have options to bring those costs down. If you’re looking for Florida scholarships, think beyond just one program and look at scholarships, grants, and school-based aid together.

That effort can matter a lot. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025  found that scholarships and grants covered 27% of students' total college costs—and 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible.

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What are Florida scholarships?

Florida scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, certificates, or other approved education and training programs. They may come from the state, colleges, local organizations, employers, and community foundations. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid.

 When you apply for a Florida aid programs, they may look at things like:

What scholarships are available for Florida students?

The top Florida scholarship options usually fall into three groups: state scholarships, institutional scholarships, and local community awards. Using all three gives you more flexibility. Tools like Scholly Scholarships can also help you search for scholarships in Florida that match your major, interests, and background.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

What is the Bright Futures Scholarship?

The Bright Futures Scholarship is Florida’s main statewide merit-based scholarship program. It's funded by the Florida Lottery and managed through the state’s financial aid system. The program establishes scholarship awards for Florida high school graduates who meet academic and other eligibility requirements.

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)

The Florida Academic Scholars award is the highest Bright Futures tier. It's meant for students who meet the strongest academic benchmarks. This is usually the award students think of when they hear that Bright Futures can cover up to full tuition at a public Florida institution. Students should always verify the current eligibility rules and renewal requirements because these details can change over time.

Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)

The Florida Medallion Scholars award is the second main Bright Futures tier. It has lower academic thresholds than Florida Academic Scholars and usually covers a smaller share of tuition. Even so, it can still make a meaningful difference for Florida students trying to lower overall college costs.

Compare Bright Futures award levels

The two main Bright Futures awards differ in both eligibility and coverage.

  • Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)

    This is the top-tier award. It requires stronger academic performance and can cover up to full tuition at eligible Florida public colleges.

  • Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)

    This is the mid-tier award. It has more accessible requirements and typically covers a portion of tuition.

In general, students who meet higher academic benchmarks may qualify for more funding, while FMS provides a more flexible option with lower coverage.

Local and community scholarships

Florida students should also look at local scholarships from community foundations, employers, civic groups, service organizations, and regional nonprofits. These scholarships can be easier to win because the pool is often smaller. High school counseling offices and local foundation websites are usually strong places to start.

College and university scholarships in Florida

Florida colleges often offer their own scholarships based on merit, need, major, leadership, or talent. Some are automatic after admission, while others require separate applications. Students should check each college’s scholarship page carefully and compare options as they build a list with of Florida schools using Scout College Search.

Additional financial aid resources

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

The Florida Student Assistance Grant is Florida’s primary need-based aid program. It's available to degree-seeking resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need who attend participating postsecondary institutions. Award amounts can vary by sector and available funding.

Florida Department of Education (FDOE)

The Florida Department of Education oversees many Florida financial aid programs, including Bright Futures and several state grant and scholarship programs administered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Scholly Scholarships

Find scholarships that are right for you

Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

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How to apply for Florida scholarships

Applying for Florida scholarships is easier when you break the process into clear steps and stay organized from the start.

  1. Gather key documents early, such as your transcript, test scores, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
  2. Make a list of scholarships that match your background, goals, and interests, including state programs, college scholarships, and local opportunities.
  3. Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays manageable and consistent.
  4. Submit the FAFSA®  as early as possible so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid. For step-by-step help check our FAFSA® guide.
  5. Complete any required state application when a Florida program requires it, such as the Florida Financial Aid Application for certain state awards.
  6. Use scholarship search tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities that match your profile.
  7. Track deadlines and requirements with a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist so you don't miss important steps.
  8. Review your applications carefully and double-check everything before you hit submit.

For an easier start, students can also explore Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. These low-effort opportunities are open to enter every month, with no long forms or essays.

Who qualifies for Florida scholarships?

Florida scholarship and grant programs often use some common eligibility requirements. These may include:

  • Florida residency
  • FAFSA® completion for many need-based programs
  • Enrollment at an eligible college, university, or training provider
  • Minimum academic standards for merit-based programs
  • Substantial financial need for certain grants
  • Satisfactory academic progress once enrolled

Some programs may also use service hours, work requirements, major, background, or career goals as part of eligibility.

When to apply for Florida scholarships

The best time to apply depends on where you are in school, but in general, earlier is better.

High school juniors and seniors

Students should start researching Florida scholarships during junior year, especially if they want to prepare for Bright Futures and other state or college-based opportunities. Senior year is also when many major deadlines arrive, so staying ahead matters.

Current college students

Scholarship opportunities do not stop after freshman year. College students should keep checking for departmental awards, transfer scholarships, foundation scholarships, and local opportunities each year they are enrolled.

How to improve your chances of winning scholarships in FL

A strong scholarship strategy can help you make the most of available opportunities.

  • Apply broadly
    Don't rely on just one state scholarship or one college award.
  • Start early
    Researching scholarships before deadlines come up can make the process much easier.
  • Focus on local awards
    Smaller applicant pools may improve your chances of winning.
  • Stay organized
    Tracking deadlines and required materials can help you avoid missing opportunities.
  • Check each college’s scholarship page
    Institutional aid may add significant value on top of state programs.

Additional ways to pay for college

Scholarships are only one part of the bigger funding picture. Florida students may also need federal aid, grants, work-study, or borrowing to cover the remaining cost of attendance.

To build a broader plan, review the FAFSA® guide, explore more financial aid resources, and compare borrowing options if needed with information about student loans.

Additional scholarship resources for Florida students

Florida students can expand their search with resources like these:

Your next steps

Combining Florida scholarships and grants can lower your college costs by a lot, especially if you stay organized and stay on top of deadlines. A strong plan includes filing the FAFSA®, reviewing Bright Futures early, and applying for state, local, and college-based aid instead of waiting on one award.

To keep your options open, pair Florida-specific programs with quick-apply tools like Scholly Scholarships, the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.

FAQs about Florida scholarships

What scholarships are available in Florida?

Florida students can pursue Bright Futures, the Florida Student Assistance Grant, institutional scholarships from colleges, and local community scholarships. Some students may also qualify for other state-specific aid programs based on background or career goals. 

What is the Bright Futures Scholarship?

Bright Futures is Florida’s statewide merit-based scholarship program for eligible high school graduates. It rewards academic achievement and can help cover tuition at eligible Florida institutions. 

What is the difference between FAS and FMS?

Florida Academic Scholars is the higher Bright Futures award and generally offers more coverage. Florida Medallion Scholars has lower eligibility thresholds and usually covers a smaller share of tuition. 

What GPA is required for Bright Futures?

The exact GPA and test score requirements depend on the award level and can change. Students should always verify the current requirements with Florida’s official Bright Futures materials before applying. 

How do I apply for scholarships in Florida?

Start by completing the FAFSA®, reviewing state scholarship requirements, and applying to college and local scholarships. Some Florida state programs also require a separate state financial aid application. 

When should I apply for Florida scholarships?

Students should start researching in junior year of high school when possible and continue applying during senior year and college. Earlier preparation can make major deadlines easier to manage. 

Can out-of-state students qualify for Florida scholarships?

Most Florida state scholarships require Florida residency. However, some college-specific or private scholarships may be open to students from outside the state. 

Does Bright Futures cover full tuition?

The Florida Academic Scholars award can cover up to full tuition at eligible Florida public colleges, while Florida Medallion Scholars usually covers a portion. Students should confirm current award details with official state sources. 

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.