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Overview

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Florida Residency Reclassification

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition Plan

In accordance

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with S1009.21 Florida Statutes and

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the Board of Governors Residency Regulation, the Office of the Registrar is required to adhere to specific procedures in making determinations for residency reclassification for students who were initially classified as non-Florida.‌

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The burden of providing clear and convincing documentation that justifies the institution’s classification of a student as a resident for tuition purposes rests with the student or, if the student is a dependent, his or her parent. For documentation to be “clear and convincing,” it must be credible, trustworthy, and sufficient to persuade the institution that the student or, if that student is a dependent, his or her parent has established legal residency in Florida that is not solely for the purpose of pursuing an education and has relinquished residency in any other state for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to classification. 

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titleProviding Documentation

There is not a specific document or set of documents that can be used to determine residency for tuition purposes. Please be understanding and flexible if you are asked to provide additional documentation.

Please see the UWF Catalog for additional residency information.

This site includes:

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A student who has been classified as a "non-resident for tuition purposes" at the time of initial application to the University and wishes to be considered for reclassification as a "Florida resident for tuition purposes" for a subsequent semester, shall file a "Residency Reclassification" form, with copies of supporting documentation as required.  

Reclassification requires you, or if you are a dependent, your parent/guardian, to present clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for the past 12 consecutive months rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education.

Reclassification of residency is highly regulated by the Legislature of the State of Florida. Almost every year, legislation is considered and/or passed that impacts the process.

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2) What are your legal ties to the State of Florida?

3) Were you physically present in the State of Florida for the requisite twelve months? 

Forms are due one week (7 calendar days) before the first day of classes

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and should be submitted no earlier than two months before the start of the semester in which you

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request reclassification. Because a person's situation may change at any time, this two-month window is critical. Any documents submitted too early will be returned, and re-submission at a later time will be required.

The University of West Florida uses

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email as the official method of notification regarding the review process. Please ensure that you have activated your UWF

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email account (i.e. jrd1@students.uwf.edu) for purposes of receiving important information related to your request.


Deadlines for Submissions of Reclassification Request and Supporting Documentation
SemesterRequest Form OpensDeadline
Spring 2025November 4, 2024January 6, 2025
Summer 2025March 3, 2025May 5, 2025
Fall 20242025June 1723, 20242025August 1218, 20242025
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(red star) When to Submit

Residency reclassification requests and any supporting documentation should be submitted no earlier than two months before the start of the semester in which you request reclassification. Because a person's situation may change at any time, this two-month window is critical. Any documents submitted too early will be returned, and re-submission at a later time will be required. Forms are due no later than one week (7 calendar days) before the first day of classes for the semester in which you seek reclassification.

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Spring 2026November 5, 2025January 7, 2026

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residency reclassification
residency reclassification
Residency Reclassification

Under Florida law, there is a difference between being a “Florida Resident” and being a “Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes”. A student who has been classified as a "non-resident for tuition purposes" at the time of initial application to the University and wishes to be considered for reclassification as a "Florida resident for tuition purposes" for a subsequent semester, shall file a "Residency Reclassification" form, with copies of supporting documentation as required. 

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The information below is useful when determining whether or not to apply for reclassification. Students should also carefully review the information found in the University Catalog.

Simply living in the state of Florida for a 12 month period or longer and/or attending school in Florida does not automatically result in qualification for in-state residency.

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Documents supporting a student's claim for Florida residency must be dated, issued or filed at least 12 months before the first day of the semester for which residency is being sought.

Despite the length of time you attend UWF, you may not qualify for “Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes”.

Steps for Reclassification

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title1. Establish Dependency Status

DEPENDENT: Person, whether or not living with his/her parent, who has been claimed by his/her parent under the federal income tax code (most recent tax return) OR a person who does not meet one of the categories listed below to automatically be considered independent for whom 51% or more of his/her support has been provided by another. Students who are dependent on out-of-state parents are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.

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Residence in the state of Florida must be for the purpose of establishing a permanent home and not merely incident to enrollment at an institution of higher education.

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A marriage license / certificate is required in all cases where a spouse is claiming residency on their  partner's behalf.

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Retaining legal ties to any state other than Florida is considered evidence that can disqualify a student from being considered as a bona fide resident of Florida. Example: having a license from another state is considered a legal tie to a state other than Florida.

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Under Florida law, there is a difference between being a “Florida Resident” and being a “Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes”.

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To be considered a “Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes”, you must prove through official and/or legal documents that you have moved to Florida permanently and are not merely living in Florida temporarily while you attend UWF.

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Despite the length of time you attend UWF, you may not qualify for “Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes”.

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titleIndependent students younger than 24 years old

Independent students who are younger than 24 years old must earn 50% of the cost of attendance outlined by the Financial Aid Office; i.e. 2024 - 2025 Estimated Undergraduate Budget is $25,892, 50% = $12,946 earned income per year. However, if a student works an average of 30 or more hours per week for 12 consecutive months and does not earn 50% of their cost of attendance, they can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for residency reclassification.

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INDEPENDENT: Person who provides more than fifty percent (51%) of his/her own support. For persons not meeting one of the categories listed below to automatically be considered independent, a copy of your and your parents’ most recent tax return will be required as proof that you have not been claimed as a dependent.

  • The student is 24 years of age or older by the first day of classes of the term for which residency status is sought.
  • The student is married.
  • The student has children who receive more than half of their support from the student.
  • The student has other dependents who live with and receive more than half of their support from the student.
  • The student is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or is currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or National Guard or Reserves for purposes other than training.
  • At any time since the student turned age 13, where both of the student's parents are deceased, or the student is or was (until age 18) one of the following:
    • A ward/dependent of the court or
    • In foster care.
  • The student is determined to be an unaccompanied homeless youth by a school district homeless liaison or by a staff member of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.
  • The student is working on a master's or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought.
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title2. Review Qualifications By Exception

Other persons not meeting the 12-month legal residence requirement may be classified as Florida residents for tuition purposes only if they fall within one of the limited exception categories listed below, as authorized by the Florida Legislature and Florida Board of Governors.

  • I am married to a person who has maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 months.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of marriage certificate, and other supporting documentation.

  • I was previously enrolled at a Florida State Institution and classified as a Florida Resident for tuition purposes.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Letter or transcript from your previous Florida State institution that shows your last date of attendance.

  • I abandoned my Florida domicile less than 12 months ago and am now re-establishing Florida legal residence.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Updated driver's license/identification card and declaration of domicile.

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, I am a permanent resident alien or other legal alien status granted indefinite stay and have maintained a domicile in Florida for at least twelve (12) months.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: INS documentation and proof of residency status.

  • I am a member of the armed services of the United States and I am stationed in Florida on active military duty pursuant to Military orders, or whose state of legal residence is Florida, or I am a member’s spouse or dependent child.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of military orders or DD2058 showing state of legal residence.

  • I am a full-time instructional or administrative employee employed by a Florida public school, community college or institution of higher education, or I am the employee’s spouse or dependent child.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of employment verification.

  • I am a qualified beneficiary under the terms of the Florida Pre-Paid College Program, s.1009.984. (Florida Investment Plan 529 not eligible)
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of card.

  • I am living on the Isthmus of Panama and have completed twelve (12) consecutive months of college work at the F.S.U. Panama Canal Branch, or I am the student’s spouse or dependent child.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Verification of FSU-PCB educational records, along with a copy of marriage certificate or proof of dependency.

  • I am a Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market graduate student.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Certification letter from state coordinator.

  •  I am a full-time employee of a state agency or political subdivision of the state whose student fees are paid by the state agency or political subdivision for the purpose of job-related law enforcement or corrections training.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: State agency employment verification.

  • I am a McKnight Fellowship recipient.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Verification from graduate studies.

  • I am an active member of the Florida National Guard who qualifies under s.250.10(7,8) for the tuition assistance program.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Florida orders.

  • I am an active member (or the spouse of the member) of the Armed Services of the United State attending a public community college or university within fifty (50) miles of the military establishment where the member is stationed, if such a military establishment is within a county contiguous to Florida.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of Military orders.

  • I am an active duty member (or spouse or dependent child of a member) of the Canadian military residing or stationed in Florida under the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Agreement, attending a public community college or university within fifty (50) miles of the military establishment where the active duty member is stationed.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of Military orders.

  • I am a U.S. Citizen living outside the U.S. who is teaching at the Department of Defense Dependent School or in an American International School and who has enrolled in a graduate level education program which leads to a Florida teaching certificate.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: DoD employment and graduate employment verification.

  • I am an active duty member (or spouse or dependent child of the member) of a foreign nation’s military who is serving as a liaison officer. I am residing or stationed in Florida and attending a community college or state university within fifty (50) miles of the military establishment where I am stationed.
    • MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Copy of military orders.
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title3. Provide Documentation

Reclassification requires you, or if you are a dependent, your parent/guardian, to present clear and convincing documentation that 1) supports permanent legal residency in Florida for the past 12 consecutive months rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education

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and 2) proves all ties to any other state have been relinquished. For documentation to be “clear and convincing,” it must be credible, trustworthy, and sufficient to persuade the institution.

The Residency Reclassification Process is individualized and document-intensive. You should be prepared to provide as much documentation as possible to justify your unique situation. The documentation that you submit must address three basic questions:

1) Why did you move to the State of Florida?

2) What are your legal ties to the State of Florida?

3) Were you physically present in the State of Florida for the requisite twelve months? 

There is not a specific document or set of documents that can be used to determine residency for tuition purposes, unless the document provided is a homestead exemption, which is deemed a single, conclusive piece of evidence, per 1009.21(3)(c), F.S.. Please be understanding and flexible if you are asked to provide additional documentation.

A minimum of three (3) documents are required for reclassification. At least one (1) document must come from our Tier 1 list. Documents must be dated, issued, or filed at least 12 months before the first day of the semester for which residency is being sought.

Tier 1 Documentation:

  • Florida voter's registration 
  • Florida driver's license
  • Florida state identification card
  • Florida vehicle registration
  • Proof of permanent home in Florida which is occupied as primary residence by the individual or by the individual's parent if the individual is a dependent child.
  • Proof of a homestead exemption in Florida.  
  • Official transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years (2 or more years), if the Florida high school diploma or GED® was earned within the last 12 months.
  • Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a 12-month period.

Tier 2 Documentation:

  • Declaration of domicile in Florida.
  • Florida professional or occupational license
  • Florida incorporation
  • Document evidencing family ties in Florida
  • Proof of membership in a Florida-based charitable or professional organization 
  • Any other documentation that supports your request for resident status, including, but not limited to, utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; or an official state, federal, or court document evidencing legal ties to Florida. 

 

Examples of proof of Legal Ties

  • Florida driver's license
  • Florida vehicle registration
  • Florida voter registration

Examples of proof of Physical Ties

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  • Non-enrollment at an institution of higher education (i.e. UWF) for the prior 12 month qualifying period (if claiming independent status) AND,

  • Full-time permanent employment for the prior 12 months AND,

  • Proof of a permanent home in Florida which has been occupied as a primary residence for the prior 12 months AND,

  • Establishment and maintenance of legal ties (i.e. Florida driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration) for the prior 12 months

OR

  • Non-enrollment at an institution of higher education (i.e. UWF) for the prior 12 month qualifying period (if claiming independent status) AND,

  • Purchase of a home in this state and residence therein for the prior 12 months AND,

  • Establishment and maintenance of legal ties (i.e. Florida driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration) for the prior 12 months

OR

  • Sufficient documentation demonstrating the establishment of a permanent residence 12 months prior to the first day of the semester in which the student is seeking reclassification (may include, but not limited to): 

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  • Establishment (and subsequent maintenance) of permanent Florida employment prior to application and enrollment
  • Establishment (and subsequent maintenance) of permanent Florida home prior to application and enrollment

Examples of proof of Reasons other than Education

  • Full-time permanent employment for the prior 12 months
  • Proof of a permanent home in Florida which has been occupied as a primary residence for the prior 12 months
  • Non-enrollment at an institution of higher education (i.e. UWF) for the prior 12 month qualifying period
  • Less than full-time enrollment during 12 month qualifying period
  • Establishment (and subsequent maintenance) of specialized medical treatment in Florida prior to application and enrollment
  • Establishment (and subsequent maintenance) of Florida disability benefits prior to application and enrollment
  • Discharge from active duty military service (Florida as state of legal residence) and subsequent immediate move to Florida prior to application and enrollment
  • Document evidencing family ties in Florida

 

Notes

  • Full-time permanent employment is defined as consecutive employment in a permanent job for a minimum of 12 months prior to the semester of qualification (minimum of thirty hours a week). Permanent employment is not defined as a series of temporary jobs.

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All supporting documents (for example: driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration card) MUST be dated 12 complete months prior to the first day of classes for the requested semester (and term) of reclassification.

  • The Office of the Registrar cannot consider personal justifications for documents not meeting the 12-month requirement. For example: “I have one now, but I did not get a driver’s license when I moved here a year ago because…” CANNOT be considered.
  • University dormitories, fraternities, sororities, scholarship houses, and other UWF campus addresses are not considered permanent addresses for residency purposes.
  • A permanent home in Florida is evidenced by the applicant's (parent/legal guardian if claiming dependent status; spouse if claiming marital status) name being reflected on the lease/rental agreement and utility bills (if renting) or on the deed/mortgage statement and utility bills (if homeowner). If the applicant's name is not reflected on these documents, then the home is considered a temporary domicile. Residence in someone else's home (i.e. boyfriend/girlfriend,

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  • fiancé/

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  • fiancée, friend, etc.) does not constitute a permanent residence. Additional supporting documentation may be required.
  • A marriage license/certificate is required in all cases where a spouse is claiming residency on their partner's behalf.
Please note:
In accordance with the requirements of Florida law (Section 119.071, Florida Statutes), the University of West Florida collects social security numbers only if specifically authorized or required by law or if imperative for the performance of the University’s duties and responsibilities.  As indicated in this form, the University prefers that you use your Student ID number in lieu of the SSN.  However, if you do not know your Student ID, the SSN must be used for matching purposes.  In such event the use of the SSN is a business imperative and is authorized for collection under Section 119.071(5)(a)(2)(a)(II), F.S.  Please see Division of Academic Affairs Collection and Use of Social Security Numbers‌ for UWF’s guidelines on the use of social security numbers.
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titleDisqualifying Factors
  • Ties to another state or country will disqualify you from Residency Reclassification. Example: having a license from another state is considered a legal tie to a state other than Florida
  • Evidence that you are the financial dependent of an out-of-state resident will disqualify you from Residency Reclassification.
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Click Here for UWF Residency Reclassification Form


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Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition Plan
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition Plan

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition Plan

Residents of Alabama are eligible for the Alabama Differential Tuition Plan, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate.

New students to UWF or former students returning to UWF after three (3) consecutive semesters should contact either Undergraduate Admissions or The Graduate School (based on the type of admission application being submitted)for information pertaining to the Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition Plan.

Students who are seeking a change in residency status for their second or subsequent semester of enrollment (after their first semester of enrollment or first semester of re-enrollment at UWF) should contact The Office of the Registrar for assistance in submitting an Alabama Differential Out of State Tuition Plan Request.

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titleWhat if my reclassification was denied and I want to appeal?

Students who are denied the classification of Florida resident for tuition purposes have the right of appeal. The appeal must be based upon new information that was not made available during the Request for Reclassification. See the Registrar website for details.