Understanding the Florida Grandparent Waiver: A Game-Changer for Out-of-State Students
With out-of-state tuition often more than double the in-state rate, Florida’s Grandparent Waiver offers a powerful financial incentive for academically strong out-of-state students with a Florida-resident grandparent. But while the benefit is substantial, eligibility is strict, the application process varies by university, and—most importantly—waiver slots are limited.
Here's everything families need to know about how the waiver works, how to apply, and how universities like the University of Florida (UF) handle this opportunity.
What Is the Grandparent Waiver?
Created by the Florida Legislature in 2021, the Grandparent Waiver allows qualified out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition at Florida’s 12 public four-year universities if they have a grandparent who is a Florida resident. The waiver applies for up to 110% of the required credits for a bachelor’s degree, offering potentially tens of thousands of dollars in tuition savings.
But while the waiver is a statewide program, each university manages its own application process, document review, and allocation of limited waiver slots.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the waiver, a student must meet all of the following:
Be a first-time-in-college freshman enrolling full-time at a Florida public university immediately after high school graduation (no gap years or transfers).
Have a biological, adoptive, or legal guardian grandparent who is a legal Florida resident.
Score at or above the 89th percentile nationally on a standardized test:
SAT: 1340+
ACT: 29+
CLT: 96+ (if accepted by the university)
Submit required documentation verifying the grandparent relationship and Florida residency.
A student must be admitted before they can even apply for the waiver—and being eligible does not guarantee receiving one.
How the Waiver Works at the University of Florida (UF)
Each of Florida’s public universities follows its own timeline and process for awarding the Grandparent Waiver. Here's a closer look at UF’s process, based on direct communication with its admissions team:
UF’s Step-by-Step Grandparent Waiver Process:
Apply to UF via the Common App.
The Common App can take a few weeks to transmit data to UF, so submitting early (e.g., on opening day) helps but doesn't guarantee speed.
Wait for UF to confirm application receipt.
Once UF receives the application, they’ll send an email to access the Gator Portal.
Request the Grandparent Waiver form via the Gator Portal.
This step is only available after the application is officially received by UF.
Submit the completed Grandparent Waiver form.
Your place in line depends on when UF receives your completed form, not when you apply to UF or open your portal.
UF reviews and prioritizes waiver awards based on timing.
Once admission decisions are released, UF begins awarding waivers in order of form submission.
UF is allocated a set number of waivers each year by the state—and may receive extras if other universities don’t use their share. But with only 350 waivers across all 12 state universities, the competition is fierce.
Application Tips for Success
Given the strict requirements and limited number of waivers, families should act strategically:
Apply Early
Submit the Common App to your Florida universities on or near August 1 (when it opens).
The earlier your application is transmitted and received, the sooner you can request the waiver form (particularly at UF and other schools that delay access until your application is processed).
Prepare Documentation in Advance
Be ready with proof of your grandparent’s Florida residency (e.g., driver’s license, voter registration).
Confirm you can document the familial relationship—often via an affidavit or birth certificates connecting student to parent to grandparent.
Monitor Each School’s Portal
Waiver requests are handled through university-specific systems, not the Common App. Students must log in, complete requests, and follow school-specific instructions.
Commit Early (If Accepted)
Some universities award waivers based on when a student pays their enrollment deposit. Delays can cost you the waiver even if you’re eligible.
Key Considerations and Limitations
Waivers are limited in number—being eligible doesn’t guarantee receiving one.
The waiver only applies at the university that awards it. If you transfer, you must reapply at the new school (and spots may not be available).
Students must maintain full-time enrollment each fall and spring to retain the waiver.
The waiver cannot be stacked with some institutional merit scholarships that already grant in-state rates.
The waiver covers the out-of-state fee, not full tuition—students still pay regular in-state rates and other fees.
Will the Program Change in the Future?
Possibly. In 2025, Florida legislators debated adding a 5-year residency requirement for grandparents, which would have made the waiver harder to obtain. That proposal failed—for now. But the state may revisit it in future legislative sessions.
As of the 2025–2026 academic year:
Grandparents only need to be current Florida residents (no minimum duration).
Standard test score and admission criteria remain unchanged.
Stay updated through your intended university’s admissions website and the Florida Board of Governors: https://www.flbog.edu.
Bottom Line
The Florida Grandparent Waiver is a rare opportunity to access in-state tuition at some of the nation’s top public universities—including UF, FSU, UCF, and others—without establishing residency yourself. But its value comes with urgency.
To maximize your chance:
Apply early,
Gather documents promptly,
Monitor your application portals closely,
And be prepared to commit quickly once admitted.
For many families, this waiver can make a Florida education a financially viable—and academically outstanding—choice.
For personalized help planning your college application strategy, or to better understand how financial aid and waivers can shape your decision, contact us at Score At The Top.
