Overview

Residency Reclassification

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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. 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? 

Forms are due one week (7 calendar days) before the first day of classes for the semester in which you seek reclassification. The University of West Florida uses email as the official method of communication during the review process.

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.

Helpful Tips

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.

• 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.

• Students who are dependent on out-of-state parents are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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”.

A student may not be eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes, unless the student (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 12 months prior to the first day of the semester in which the student is seeking reclassification (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 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, 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.

FAQs

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