Class of 2028 update: the state raises the qualifying lines to 1350 SAT (96 CLT) for Florida Academic Scholars and 1200 SAT (25 ACT, 83 CLT) for Florida Medallion Scholars. Students graduating in 2027 keep the current 1330 and 1190 lines. Full breakdown in our handbook walkthrough.
For the class of 2027, Florida Academic Scholars requires 1330 SAT on the standard SAT pathway; for 2028, it requires 1350. Both cohorts need a 3.50 Bright Futures GPA and 100 approved volunteer, paid-work or combined hours, plus the other eligibility requirements. FAS covers 100% of eligible tuition and applicable fees at Florida public institutions.
For the class of 2027, Florida Medallion Scholars requires 1190 SAT on the standard SAT pathway; for 2028, it requires 1200. Both cohorts need a 3.00 Bright Futures GPA and either 75 approved volunteer hours, 100 paid-work hours or 100 combined hours. FMS generally covers 75% of eligible public tuition and applicable fees.
The handbook lists separate thresholds for 2027 and 2028. Do not assume either set applies to 2029 or a later graduating class. A test score alone does not qualify a student for an award.
Check all three requirements before deciding what needs work. For example, 75 approved volunteer hours meet the FMS volunteer route even if a student also has some paid-work hours. A student with fewer than 75 volunteer hours needs 100 paid or combined hours.
Here is an illustration using $6,000 in eligible tuition and fees for one academic year at a Florida public university. This is example math, not a university quote or a guaranteed award.
| Award | Pays | Example annual award | Eligible charges left |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) | 100% of tuition and applicable fees | $6,000 | $0 |
| Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) | 75% of tuition and applicable fees | $4,500 | $1,500 |
Your actual award depends on the institution, eligible fees and funded credits. At an eligible private Florida institution, Bright Futures uses a fixed comparable award amount rather than paying 100% or 75% of private-school tuition.
Other aid can change your family’s final bill. Ask the college for an itemized financial-aid estimate that separates Bright Futures, other scholarships, grants and loans.
Award percentages: official Student Handbook, Chapter 2, August 2026. The $6,000 illustration excludes living expenses and assumes eligible public-university charges.
For a college budget, add housing, meals, books, transportation and personal expenses. Confirm which fees are covered with the institution’s financial-aid office. The scholarship percentage is not the percentage of the entire cost of attendance.
For 2027 graduates, the SAT gap between the FMS and FAS thresholds is 140 points. For 2028 graduates, it is 150 points. Reaching the higher test score changes the estimated tier only if the student also meets the higher GPA and hours requirements.
Reviewed September 11, 2026 against the August 2026 handbook. Confirm current award rules before making a financial commitment.
Bright Futures uses qualifying coursework and its own weights, so the result can differ from a report-card GPA. The standard core is 16 credits: 4 English, 4 math, 3 natural science, 3 social science and 2 sequential credits in the same world language. Up to two additional eligible credits may improve the GPA.
Bright Futures accepts three tests, and your teen only needs to hit the mark on one of them:
Bright Futures can combine your highest SAT Reading and Writing and Math section scores from timely sittings. Send official scores as directed in Chapter 1. ACT and CLT also have specific section-combination rules; compare your official results before choosing a prep plan.
Use the Bright Futures GPA calculator for a planning estimate, then ask your counselor to confirm course eligibility. Eligible advanced courses receive 0.50 additional quality points per full credit, or 0.25 per half credit. FAS requires 3.50; FMS requires 3.00. The GPA is not rounded up.
Have the counselor check the English writing requirement, math level, science labs, world-language sequence, approved advanced-course weights and any repeated courses. Our calculator does not replace that review.
A 1240 SAT is 90 points below the 2027 FAS threshold and 110 below the 2028 threshold. Start with the correct target, a section-by-section diagnostic and the testing dates available. Improvement varies by student; use the plan to decide what is realistic for your timeline.
National Merit, AICE and IB diplomas, AP Capstone and other listed pathways have their own conditions. Home education, PEP, GED and certain out-of-state cases also need a closer review. Use the applicable Chapter 1 section with your counselor; none of these labels removes every other requirement.
No. For the class of 2027, submit the FFAA between October 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027, and satisfy the other applicable eligibility requirements. File while remaining requirements are in progress.
Use tests taken by August 31 of the graduation year, or January 31 for midyear graduates. College admission deadlines can arrive much earlier. Confirm both deadlines before choosing a test date.
The college normally reports renewal results to OSFA. FAS requires a 3.00 cumulative college GPA; FMS requires 2.75, unrounded and unweighted. Earned-credit requirements depend on funded enrollment. Chapter 3 explains renewal, limited restoration opportunities and appeals.
Yes, at eligible Florida private institutions. The award uses a fixed comparable amount, not a percentage of that school’s tuition. Ask the college to confirm the applicable rate and your remaining bill.
Source check: September 11, 2026. This independent guide summarizes the August 2026 Bright Futures Student Handbook. The handbook and OSFA’s official evaluation govern eligibility.
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