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AMB444
02-26-2025, 11:14 PM
If you're a full time resident of Florida and have a child that wishes to attend a FL college would this child be eligible for in-state tuition.

This is a dependent child (teen) that is still claimed on father's taxes in another state. This teen does not live with me at this time.

My son wishes to transfer here to complete education and live here.

The info on college websites is not very real clear on this issue and my emails have not been responded to.

Anyone have info or know where to start in my search for clarification on this issue?

Thanks!

blueash
02-26-2025, 11:44 PM
Residency For Tuition Purposes (https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/student-services/residency-for-tuition-purposes.stml)

AMB444
02-27-2025, 12:06 AM
Residency For Tuition Purposes (https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/student-services/residency-for-tuition-purposes.stml)

Yes! Thank you so much. But it's not clear on what "dependent child" is and whether this child needs to be declared on either parent's tax returns.

Rainger99
02-27-2025, 03:55 AM
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.21.html)

AMB444
02-27-2025, 04:35 AM
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1009/Sections/1009.21.html)


Thank you!!

jimhoward
02-27-2025, 11:42 AM
Assuming you have been a Florida resident for at least 12 months, the most straightforward way to get your son to qualify would be for you to claim him as a dependent on your 2024 federal tax return.

The tax benefit to the boy's father in claiming him, would be less than the tuition savings......Unless of course the child is also considering college in the father's state of residence.

Bill14564
02-27-2025, 11:58 AM
Florida Statute 1009.21(2)(c) appears to say your Florida residence qualifies your child for in-state tuition even though he is claimed as a dependent on his father’s taxes:
The legal residence of a dependent child whose parents are divorced, separated, or otherwise living apart will be deemed to be this state if either parent is a legal resident of this state, regardless of which parent is entitled to claim, and does in fact claim, the minor as a dependent pursuant to federal individual income tax provisions.

AMB444
02-28-2025, 02:46 AM
Assuming you have been a Florida resident for at least 12 months, the most straightforward way to get your son to qualify would be for you to claim him as a dependent on your 2024 federal tax return.

The tax benefit to the boy's father in claiming him, would be less than the tuition savings......Unless of course the child is also considering college in the father's state of residence.

Thank you for being the most intelligent of most of replies.

AMB444
02-28-2025, 02:48 AM
Florida Statute 1009.21(2)(c) appears to say your Florida residence qualifies your child for in-state tuition even though he is claimed as a dependent on his father’s taxes:
The legal residence of a dependent child whose parents are divorced, separated, or otherwise living apart will be deemed to be this state if either parent is a legal resident of this state, regardless of which parent is entitled to claim, and does in fact claim, the minor as a dependent pursuant to federal individual income tax provisions.

Thank you so much!

msilagy
02-28-2025, 07:00 AM
Smart kid!

OrangeBlossomBaby
02-28-2025, 08:02 AM
Keep in mind though - if he's only 18, you're not -allowed- by the deed restrictions of the Villages community, to have him declare your home here in The Villages as his legal residence. If he's 19, you may.

blueash
02-28-2025, 08:17 AM
Keep in mind though - if he's only 18, you're not -allowed- by the deed restrictions of the Villages community, to have him declare your home here in The Villages as his legal residence. If he's 19, you may.

Really? I don't see any restriction on declaring a home a residence. The language is entirely based on days residing, not any kind of declaration It is entirely possible for a college student to spend fewer than 30 days a year at their legal residence. I know I did between college, summer job away, summer school and travel at least one year. If he were in the military he most certainly could spend more than 11 months not residing in his legal residence.

Additionally, the previous posts have strongly suggested that a dependent child does NOT have to live in Florida, just one of their parents to qualify as "in state" for tuition reduction.

Marine1974
02-28-2025, 08:19 AM
If you're a full time resident of Florida and have a child that wishes to attend a FL college would this child be eligible for in-state tuition.

This is a dependent child (teen) that is still claimed on father's taxes in another state. This teen does not live with me at this time.

My son wishes to transfer here to complete education and live here.

The info on college websites is not very real clear on this issue and my emails have not been responded to.

Anyone have info or know where to start in my search for clarification on this issue?

Thanks!
Does you are spouse veterans ?
Some states allow instate tuition even though the veteran parent
does not live in that state.

GladysM2024
02-28-2025, 09:03 AM
We were told the child had to graduate from a Florida HS to get in-state tuition.

Bill14564
02-28-2025, 09:07 AM
We were told the child had to graduate from a Florida HS to get in-state tuition.

Who told you that?

That is not what my nephew experienced.

Marmaduke
02-28-2025, 09:31 AM
If you're a full time resident of Florida and have a child that wishes to attend a FL college would this child be eligible for in-state tuition.

This is a dependent child (teen) that is still claimed on father's taxes in another state. This teen does not live with me at this time.

My son wishes to transfer here to complete education and live here.

The info on college websites is not very real clear on this issue and my emails have not been responded to.

Anyone have info or know where to start in my search for clarification on this issue?

Thanks!
Why doesn't your son call the Admission or Financial Aid offices at the College of his choice and begin an inquiry Mom?

Papa5
02-28-2025, 10:51 AM
If you're a full time resident of Florida and have a child that wishes to attend a FL college would this child be eligible for in-state tuition.

This is a dependent child (teen) that is still claimed on father's taxes in another state. This teen does not live with me at this time.

My son wishes to transfer here to complete education and live here.

The info on college websites is not very real clear on this issue and my emails have not been responded to.

Anyone have info or know where to start in my search for clarification on this issue?

Thanks!

Call either a State University Admissions Office or State Ed Department.

DrMack
02-28-2025, 06:00 PM
We were told the child had to graduate from a Florida HS to get in-state tuition.

This is a fact. The application for many colleges requires your residence for the last 12 months, your high school name and address for transcripts along with a GPA etc. I wouldn’t rely on just having a Florida address for the free school. What if the high school diploma was from South Dakota?

jimhoward
02-28-2025, 08:27 PM
We were told the child had to graduate from a Florida HS to get in-state tuition.

I have an adopted daughter who did not graduate from a Florida high school, is attending a Florida college, and is receiving in state tuition