Dependent or Independent

Determining dependent or independent status provides the basis for whether you have to submit your own documentation or your parent’s/guardian’s documentation for residency determination.  If you meet any one of the following criteria, you should be classified as an independent for the determination of Florida residency for tuition purposes:

• 24 years of age or older by the first day of classes of the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution
• Students younger than 24, who claim to be independent, will need to provide proof of parent's/guardian's decision NOT to claim them as dependents to verify their independent nature.
• Married
• You are/were (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court
• Have children who receive more than half of their support from you
• Has other dependents who live with and receive more than half of their support from you
• You are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or are currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces for purposes other than training
• Both of your parents are deceased
• You will be working on a master’s or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution
• You are classified as an independent by the Financial Aid Office at UWF

Evidence that you meet one of these criteria will be requested.  If you do not meet one of the criteria outlined above, you may be classified as an independent student only with documentation that you provide fifty (50) percent or more of the cost of attendance for independent, in-state students as defined by the Financial Aid Office at UWF (exclusive of federal, state, and institutional aid or scholarships).

Any students who do not meet the above definition of an independent student shall be classified as dependent students for the determination of Florida residency for tuition purposes.