Residency Reclassification

Things You need to Know About Residency Reclassification

• Residency Reclassification criteria are established by Florida law and Florida Department of Education regulations. The Records & Registration's Office cannot waive State/DOE criteria for any reason.
• A student who is classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes by presenting a minimum of three (3) documents identified in sections 1009.21(3)(c)1. or 1009.21(3)(c)2., that convincingly demonstrate the establishment of permanent legal residence in Florida other than for the sole purpose of pursuing a postsecondary education. Documentation must demonstrate that the student or, if the student is a dependent, the student’s parent has maintained legal residence in Florida for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of classes for the term for which residency reclassification is sought except as otherwise provided in section 1009.21(6).
• Living in Florida for a year or longer does not automatically qualify you for in-state tuition (Florida Resident).
• 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 not merely living in Florida temporarily while you attend FGCU.
• All supporting documents (for example; driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration card) must be dated 12 calendar months prior to the first day of classes for the requested reclassification term. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
• The Department of Records & Registration cannot consider personal justifications for documents not meeting the 12-month requirement. For example, "I have a Florida driver's license now, but I did not get it when I moved here a year ago because . . .", is a personal justification that cannot be considered.
• Leases and employment verification show physical presence only. By themselves, they do not qualify you for Residency Reclassification.
• 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.
• Financial hardship cannot be considered in Residency Reclassification.
• Despite the length of time you attend FGCU, you may not qualify for "Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes."

Policy for Reclassification of Current Students

The offices of Undergraduate Admissions (239-590-7915) and Graduate Admissions (239-745-GRAD) determine first term residency at FGCU for tuition purposes for all newly-admitted students.

Reclassification of residency for the purpose of tuition is not automatic. Enrolled students who are classified as non-Florida residents for tuition purposes and who believe they may qualify for in-state tuition effective with the next academic semester must submit the Request for Change in Residency for Tuition form to the Department of Records & Registration prior to the last day of the drop/add or late registration period for the term in which resident status is sought. Supporting documents (as noted in the Initial Classification section) must be attached to the form. If claiming independence status and under the age of 24, a copy of the most recent federal income tax filing for the student and parent are required. The claimant, under the age of 24, who has annual financial resources totaling half the cost of attendance or more, must provide their most recent tax return along with copies of their W2 forms; or with documents establishing other sources of income from within Florida.

The Department of Records & Registration reserves the right to require additional documentation in order to determine the resident status of a current student. Rent receipts, leases, employment records are not evidence in itself of legal Florida residence. If Florida residency status for the purpose of tuition is denied, the student may file an appeal to the Department of Records & Registration. The decision of the Residency Appeal Committee is final, as provided by law.

Approved residency reclassification will not be applied retroactively to previous terms.

Note: The provisions under both state laws will apply to initial and reclassification procedures as well as degree and non-degree seeking students at Florida Gulf Coast University

Residency State Laws

View additional Residency Reclassification information at Florida Shines: Residency Guidelines and State University System of Florida: Residency Requirements. For any additional questions, contact the Enrollment Services Center at 239-590-7920 or email to residencyreclass@fgcu.edu.

Revised 09-2020

Additional Information on Reclassification for Current FGCU Students Only

Process for Requesting Residency Reclassification

If you have completed one semester of enrollment at FGCU as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes and would like to be considered for reclassification, please complete the residency reclassification form. All related and supporting documents must be attached at the time of submission.

Approved residency reclassification will not be applied retroactively to previous terms.

Reclassification form and documents must be submitted prior to the start of the semester for which you are requesting reclassification. The deadlines for submitting the Residency Reclassification Form with appropriate documentation are:

Answer the questions found at the link below to determine if you will claim residency reclassification as an independent or dependent.  After answering the questions, you will see the instructions that fit your situation.  Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can complete the application and upload your documents to the application.  You can submit the application once registration opens for the term you are trying to reclassify for.

Residency Reclassification Form