Overview

In accordance with S1009.21 Florida Statutes, Rules 6A-10.044 and 6A-20.003, Florida Administrative Code, and 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.‌

The burden of proof is on the applicant to present clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in this state for at least 12 months, rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education.

Please see the UWF Catalog for additional residency information.

This site includes information regarding Residency Reclassification and Residency Reclassification Appeals.

Residency Reclassification

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 "Request for Change of Residency Status" form, with copies of supporting documentation as requested therein (see Documentation page) to the Registrar's Office either in person (Building 18) or by mail to: Registrar's Office, UWF, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 31514-5750. Copies of the Request form (and other associated forms) are available from the Office of the Registrar or you may print a .pdf version of these forms listed below (as applicable).

Residency Reclassification Form‌ 

Student Financial Statement‌

Undergraduate/Graduate Final Budget‌

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.

• Living in Florida for a year or longer DOES NOT automatically qualify you for in-state tuition (Florida residency).
• Under Florida law, there is a difference between being a “Florida Resident” and being a “Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes”.
• 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.
• Despite the length of time you attend UWF, you may not qualify for “Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes”.

An applicant may not be eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes, unless the applicant (or parent/legal guardian if claiming dependent status; or spouse if claiming marital status) presents clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in this state for at least 12 consecutive months rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education, such as:

• 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 prior to application and enrollment (may include, but not limited to):

• Establishment (and subsequent maintenance) of Florida legal ties (i.e. driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration) prior to application and enrollment
• 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
• 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

• 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.
• 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 Registrar’s Office 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, fiance/fiancee, friend, etc.) does not constitute a permanent residence. Additional supporting documentation may be required.
• Ties to another state or country will disqualify you from Residency Reclassification.
• Evidence that you are the financial dependent of an out-of-state resident will disqualify you from Residency Reclassification.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING A RESIDENCY RECLASSIFICATION REQUEST IS ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES FOR THE APPLICABLE TERM OF THE SEMESTER IN QUESTION.

The University of West Florida uses e-mail as the official method of notification regarding the review process. Please ensure that you have activated your UWF e-mail account (i.e. jrd1@students.uwf.edu) for purposes of receiving important information related to your request.

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.

Residency Reclassification Appeals

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 initial review. Students must submit the Residency Appeal form‌ along with additional supporting documentation as soon as possible after receipt of the initial decision and no later than the end of the term for which Florida residency for tuition purposes is desired. The Committee will review all information and documentation submitted with the Appeal, as well as previously submitted documents and related information in the student's academic record.

Additional information regarding reclassification criteria may be found in the Residency Reclassification form.  Not submitted supportive documentation or new information will delay your review.

The Residency Appeals Committee is designated to review residency decisions - not the reclassification process nor associated deadlines. These areas of the Residency Reclassification review may not be appealed.  All appeals will be reviewed by the Residency Appeal Committee, students will be notified of the committee decision in writing and all Committee decisions are considered final.

The Residency Appeals Committee meets as needed, but no more than once per month during the semester.

Appeals should be submitted as follows:

University Residency Appeals Committee
c/o University Registrar
Building 18, Room 102
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514-5750

FAQs