Initial Classification
A Florida "resident for tuition purposes" at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is a person who has established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to initial enrollment at FAU. All students "working on a master's or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought at FAU shall be classified as an independent student for purposes of determining residency for tuition purposes" (Florida Statutes Section 1009.21; Florida Board of Governors Regulation 7.005; Florida Residency Guidelines for Tuition Purposes adopted by the State Articulation Coordinating Committee). Therefore, all students accepted to the College of Medicine will be considered as independent students for purposes of determining residency for tuition purposes.
Reclassification
Once classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes, an enrolled student may apply for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes. Reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes requires clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for at least twelve (12) consecutive months, rather than temporary residency for the purposes of pursuing an education.
Marriage
If you are married to a person who has maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 months, has established legal residence, and Florida is your permanent home, you are required to complete the Residency Re-classification form.
The form must be completed and signed by the student’s spouse and submitted along with a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of spouse’s Florida residency.
Important things you should know about Florida residency
- To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, you must be a US citizen, permanent resident alien, or legal alien granted indefinite stay by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Certain other non-US citizens who are lawfully present in the United States may be eligible to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes.
- Applicants for residency must establish that their presence in Florida during the requisite 12-month qualifying period was for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile, rather than for the purpose of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment at an institution of higher education.
- Evidence of legal residence and its duration shall include clear and convincing documentation that residency in Florida was for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the student's initial enrollment in the College of Medicine. Residency for tuition purposes requires the establishment of legal (documentary) ties to the state of Florida.
Claiming Florida Residency
All accepted applicants are initially classified internally as nonresidents and will be charged the higher non-resident tuition unless they satisfactorily demonstrate their status as Florida residents for tuition purposes by providing appropriate documentation. To qualify for in-state tuition as a Florida resident, you must be classified as a Florida resident by the Office of Admissions at the FAU College of Medicine. Classification will be based on the documents you submit to support your claim and all documents must be submitted by July 1st of the year of entry. Examples of these documents are listed below.
First Tier (provide as many of these documents as you have, no single piece of evidence shall be conclusive)
- Your Florida voter's registration card
- Your Florida driver's license
- Your State of Florida identification card
- Your Florida vehicle registration.
- Proof of a permanent home in Florida which is occupied as a primary residence by you.
- Proof that you have qualified for a homestead exemption in Florida.
- Your high school diploma or transcripts if you graduated from a high school in Florida
- Proof of your permanent full-time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a consecutive 12-month period.
(Note: For initial classification, documents such as driver's license, voter's card, identification card, declaration of domicile and professional licenses must have been issued at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes at the College of Medicine.)
Second Tier (to be used in conjunction with documents from First Tier above)
- Your declaration of domicile in Florida
- Your Florida professional or occupational license.
- Your Florida incorporation documents
- Proof of membership in a Florida-based charitable or professional organization
- Any other documentation that supports your request for resident status, including, but not limited to, utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payment; or an official state, federal, or court document evidencing legal ties to Florida.
Examples of documents that may not be used
- Parental documents or information (unless requested)
- Hunting/fishing licenses
- Library cards
- Shopping club/rental cards
- Birth certificate
- Passport