Are you a Florida high school student aiming to reduce the cost of college in 2025? 🎓 The Bright Futures Scholarship 2025 is one of the most popular financial aid programs available to Florida residents. Funded by the state lottery, this program helps thousands of students every year cover their tuition costs at public and private universities in Florida.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the different award levels, GPA and test requirements, application deadlines, and how to make sure your application stands out.
What Is the Bright Futures Scholarship?
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a state-funded initiative created to reward students for academic achievement and community service. Its goal is to encourage students to pursue higher education in Florida by reducing tuition costs.
For 2025, the program continues to cover 75% to 100% of tuition and fees, depending on the award level you qualify for.
Types of Bright Futures Awards in 2025
The program offers several award tiers. Here’s a breakdown for the 2025 academic year:
| Award Type | Coverage | Minimum GPA | Test Score Requirement | Volunteer/Service Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) | 100% tuition + fees | 3.5 | ACT: 29 or SAT: 1330 | 100 hours |
| Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) | 75% tuition + fees | 3.0 | ACT: 25 or SAT: 1210 | 75 hours |
| Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV) | Career/Technical Programs | 3.0 (core) / 3.5 (vocational) | SAT, ACT, or P.E.R.T. | 30 hours |
| Gold Seal CAPE Scholars | Associate → Bachelor Pathway | Varies | Industry Certification | 30 hours |
Bright Futures Scholarship 2025 Deadlines
- FAFSA Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Scholarship Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
- Test Score Deadline: July 2025 (for final ACT/SAT results)
👉 Missing these deadlines could make you ineligible, so mark your calendar early!
Eligibility Requirements for 2025
To qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship, you must:
- Be a Florida resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Graduate from a Florida high school in 2025.
- Meet the minimum GPA requirements (see table above).
- Complete the required service/volunteer hours.
- Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by the deadline.
- Take and submit official ACT/SAT scores before the deadline.
Application Process Step by Step
Here’s how to apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship 2025:
- Complete the FFAA (Florida Financial Aid Application) by August 31, 2025.
- Submit your FAFSA to qualify for maximum aid.
- Take the SAT/ACT and ensure your scores are sent to the Florida Department of Education.
- Track your application status via the Bright Futures Student Dashboard.
- Check for any updates from your school counselor or the Florida Department of Education.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Start early: Don’t wait until your senior year to log volunteer hours.
- Aim higher than the minimum: Extra GPA points or test scores can strengthen your application.
- Use test prep resources: Free SAT/ACT practice can make the difference.
- Work closely with your school counselor: They can guide you through deadlines and requirements.
Bright Futures & University of Florida Scholarships
If you’re planning to attend the University of Florida (UF), you can combine Bright Futures with other UF scholarships to cover additional costs. Make sure to check out our full guide:
