FLORIDA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for in-state tuition at Indian River State College, you must verify your Florida residency.
Simply living in Florida while attending college does not automatically qualify you for in-state tuition.
This page details Indian River State College’s process for validation of Florida residency for tuition purposes in compliance with the provisions of Florida Statute 1009.21, State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.044 and Florida State Residency Guidelines.
Before You Begin
To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Complete the Florida Residency Declaration.
- Submit residency documentation showing you (or your parent/legal guardian, if applicable) have maintained legal Florida residency for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of classes.
Which Documents Do I Need?
You’ll need:
Proof of Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
Examples include:
- U.S. Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card
- Other eligible immigration documentation
Residency Documentation
Submit at least two documents, including one Tier 1 document.
Tier 1 (At Least One Required)
- Florida driver’s license or ID
- Florida vehicle registration
- Florida voter registration
- Homestead exemption
- Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida
- Florida high school transcript (eligible dependent students)Tier 2
Tier 2
- Declaration of domicile
- Florida professional license
- Florida incorporation documents
- Membership in a Florida professional or charitable organization
- Lease agreement
- Utility bills (12 consecutive months)
- Notarized housing letter
Note: Documents must be dated at least 12 months before the start of classes.
Dependent or Independent?
You’re generally considered dependent if:
- You’re under 24 years old and don’t meet one of the independent student exceptions.
Your parent or legal guardian will provide residency documentation.
You’re generally considered independent if you are:
- 24 or older
- Married
- A veteran
- A parent
- Financially independent according to Florida residency requirements
You’ll provide your own documentation.
Residency Exceptions
Some students may qualify under Florida residency exceptions, including:
- Active-duty military members and eligible family members
- Florida National Guard members
- Florida Prepaid beneficiaries
- Certain public school employees
- Students with DCF waivers
- Other exceptions established by Florida law
If you believe you qualify for an exception, contact Student Services before classes begin.
Already Submitted Your Documents?
Good news!
Once your residency has been reviewed, your residency status will be updated in your student account.
If your residency determination changes your tuition rate, any applicable fee adjustments will be posted to your account within approximately 24 hours.
Please allow time for processing before contacting Student Services.
Previously Classified as Out-of-State?
You may request a residency reclassification if you now meet Florida residency requirements.
You’ll need to submit updated residency documentation showing at least 12 consecutive months of Florida residency, including one Tier 1 document.
Important Deadlines
Submit your residency documentation before the first day of classes.
Once classes begin, residency classifications and tuition rates cannot be changed for that term.
Need Help?
Our Student Services teams are happy to help.
Before visiting campus:
- Review the required documents above.
- Have your documentation ready.
- Bring a photo ID if visiting in person.
Join The RiverLine to connect with Student Services virtually or in person.
