State-Specific Scholarships in Florida

The Value of State-Specific Scholarships

The number of students enrolling in college has declined over the years, which, according to the NCES, dropped by 15% between 2010 and 2021. Some say that it was merely due to COVID-19, as not everyone was able to adjust to the online/hybrid learning formats.

However, several data show that even years after the pandemic, enrollment rates never really bounced back. In 2022, according to the Education Data Initiative, only 15.397 million undergraduate students enrolled in the fall, a 7% decline from 2019. And with a 39% dropout rate, it only shows that students cannot afford college anymore.

Everything in Florida, from food and housing to transportation, is slightly higher than national prices, on average. If you’re an in-state student, you’re in luck, as the state has among the lowest in-state tuition rates. However, if you’re an out-of-state student, you better buckle up, as you’re often charged double what in-state students pay for tuition.

Many students choose to pursue a degree in Florida due to the state’s warm climate, abundant nature, and diverse culture, which provides a high quality of life. The U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida 9^th overall and 2^nd in timely graduation rates for public two—and four-year colleges.

One of the ways the Florida government and private organizations help its upcoming leaders is by providing financial aid and tuition assistance programs. As a student, you can access several Florida state scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loan forgiveness. But of all the programs available, many experts will suggest keeping your eyes on state-specific scholarships.

Scholarships for Florida students are free money!

Landing Florida state scholarships will not only help you financially but will also help you land better opportunities and become closer to the community. When you graduate, you can list the big scholarships you’ve won, and it will show employers or graduate school committees your dedication and perseverance. This can ultimately put you at the top.

In this article, we will explore the top Florida college scholarships. Some come from the state government, others from colleges, and some from private organizations.

Related Articles:

• How to Find College Scholarships in Your State
• Top 10 Best Scholarships for College Students
• Unlocking Opportunities: Online Education Scholarships

Top State-Specific Scholarships in Florida

Here are the top ten Florida state scholarships:

Bright Futures – Florida Academic Scholars

If you want a scholarship covering your tuition for a year and other applicable fees, consider one of Bright Future’s most notable scholarships, the Florida Academic Scholars program. This Bright Futures Scholarship program, however, is very competitive.

• Deadline: August 31, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Florida resident
  • At least 3.5 GPA
  • 29 or higher ACT score or 1330 or higher SAT score
  • Enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university
  • Completed 16 college preparatory courses
  • 100 hours of community service
• How to Apply
  • Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) on or before August 31 of by high school graduation year.
  • Complete FAFSA for additional aid.
  • Send SAT/ACT scores to the Florida Department of Education.

Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

The Goldman Sachs MBA fellowship offers the following:

1. financial stipend
2. summer associate position at Goldman Sachs
3. $40,000 after completing the fellowship

It is strictly offered to highly competitive female MBA students of color.

• Deadline: April 10, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina, or Native American
  • Female
  • Enrolled as a first-year MBA student
• How to Apply
  • Submit an online application on the Goldman Sachs website.
  • Include a résumé and personal statement.
  • Participate in multiple interview rounds.

Allamanda Garden Club Horticulture Scholarship

The Allamanda Garden Club of North Port, Inc. supports education, believing today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in preserving our natural resources. Its scholarships are available to college juniors, seniors, and graduate or doctoral students in Florida, making it one of the most sought-after financial aid in Florida.

• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: March 31, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be a college junior or senior.
  • Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Open to graduate and doctoral students in horticulture-related fields.
  • Must be attending a college or university in the U.S.
• How to Apply
  • Complete the application form (available through the Allamanda Garden Club).
  • Provide academic transcripts showing GPA.
  • Submit a personal statement detailing academic goals and interest in horticulture.
  • Include at least one letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor.
  • Submit all materials by the deadline (recipients are notified in mid-April).

Sarah E. Huneycutt Scholarship

Designed for female high school graduates who have an interest in golf but do not qualify for athletic scholarships, this award is distributed over four years. Financial need is key to the selection process.

• Amount: $20,000
• Deadline: May 30, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Florida resident
  • Female
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Enrolled in (or planning to attend) a college or university
• How to Apply
  • Submit an online application through the FSGA website.
  • Provide an essay on personal achievements and goals.
  • Include academic records and community service details.

FSGA Scholarship

Sponsored by the Florida State Golf Association, this scholarship supports student golfers who demonstrate financial need. It is renewable for up to four years, totaling $40,000 in potential funding per recipient.

• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Deadline: July 1, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Florida resident for at least one year
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • High school senior
  • Must have competed in at least three FSGA or FJT tournaments
• How to Apply
  • Fill out an application on the FSGA website.
  • Submit tournament participation proof, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

This is perhaps one of the most unique scholarships you’ll ever encounter! For you to win, you need to create and wear your own Duck Tape® prom outfit using nothing but Duck® Brand Duct Tape or Crafting Tape to design your unique look, then capture the moment with a high-resolution photo.

• Amount: $15,000
• Deadline: June 5, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • High school or homeschool students (14+ years old).
  • Past finalists are not eligible.
• How to Apply
  • Create promwear using Duck® Brand Tape.
  • Take a high-resolution photo of your design.
  • Submit the entry form with your photo & details.
  • Get parental permission if under 18.
  • Receive a confirmation email after submission.
  • Vote for favorites using your email.

Second Chance of Florida Foundation Scholarship

The Second Chance of Florida Foundation (SCFF) is among the top non-profit need-based scholarships in Florida. Winners, those who are excelling academically despite financial hardships, receive assistance with paying for college tuition and book scholarships.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: April 15, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Open to high school seniors, college and graduate students
  • Must be enrolled in a vocational program or a 2–5 year post-secondary institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
• How to Apply
  • Complete the application on the SCFF website.
  • Submit transcripts and any required supporting documents.

Florida Green Building Coalition Scholarship

In 2016, the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) launched one of the top merit scholarships in Florida to support students pursuing careers in:

• Green building
• Design
• Sustainability

This program promotes sustainability in the built environment and helps individuals build successful careers in the green construction industry.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • U.S. citizen or legal resident living in Florida
  • Enrolled in a Florida public or private college/university
  • Studying sustainability in the built environment
  • Accepted into a trade school or entering junior, senior, or graduate year
  • 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need
• How to Apply
  • Submit a 500-word narrative on academic background, goals, and sustainability interests.
  • Provide two reference letters (one academic, one character).
  • Include transcripts from the most recent institution.

Keisha Bodden Scholarship

The Keisha Bodden Scholarship Fund honors Keisha Bodden, a dedicated community organizer who worked in the juvenile justice system. Her passion for community service and youth advocacy had gone a long way in supporting high school seniors in Central Florida.

• Amount $1,500
• Deadline: May 15, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Enrolled at an accredited four-year Florida college or university starting in the fall
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • U.S. citizen
• How to Apply
  • Complete the application form (available on the scholarship website).
  • Submit official transcripts to verify GPA.
  • Provide a personal statement detailing academic goals, financial needs, and career aspirations.
  • Include at least a letter of recommendation from your teacher, mentor, or community leader.

Singhaus Scholarship for the Performing Arts

If you’re part of the Central Florida LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you can apply—whether you’re pursuing formal education or need financial help for your craft. This is one of the best Florida state scholarships that is all about helping you take the next step in your artistic journey.

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline: June 14, 2025
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Ages 16–24
  • Reside in Central Florida
  • Active in the LGBTQ+ and/or theatre community
  • Demonstrated financial need related to a performing arts career
• How to Apply
  • Complete the application form.
  • Write an essay explaining your goals and financial need.
  • (Optional) Submit a talent video or photo portfolio.
  • Submit all required materials by 5:00 PM on the deadline.

How to Apply for Florida State Scholarships

Applying for scholarships and grants for Florida students can be competitive. Here’s a quick guide on how to apply for Florida scholarships:

1. Prepare application materials. The specific required materials will vary from program to program.
   • In general, merit-based scholarships require the following:
     • Completed application form
     • Personal statement or essay
     • Official transcripts
     • Letters of recommendation
     • Portfolio, audition video, or other supporting materials (if required)
   • If you’re applying for need-based programs, you need to also prepare for the following:
     • Proof of financial need
     • Household income documentation
     • Explanation of financial circumstances
2. Review eligibility requirements. Carefully check the scholarship’s age, residency, academic, and financial requirements to ensure you qualify before applying.
3. Meet deadlines. Mark important dates and submit all required materials on time to avoid disqualification.
4. Submit your application. Double-check that your application is complete and accurate and includes all necessary documents before submitting it.
5. Do follow-ups: After submitting, confirm that your application was received. Some scholarship programs may request additional information or interviews, so be sure to check your email regularly.

Additional Resources for Florida Students

Florida, the third-largest state in the U.S., is home to many scholarship opportunities. You just have to know where to look.

We recommend starting your search by asking your college/university. They typically have assigned financial advisors who will help you find Florida residency scholarships that fit your needs and eligibility.

If you’re employed, ask your employer for any scholarship or tuition reimbursement program. In most cases, they offer plenty, especially for those who have worked in the company for several years.

Next, you can also visit reliable websites that allow you to filter your search. Here are some of the websites you can use:

• Scholarshipportal
• Fastweb
• College Board
• Scholarship America
• Scholly
• Going Merry
• Peterson’s
• ScholarshipOwl
• Unigo

Lastly, you need to visit Florida’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Final Tips: Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential

Higher education is one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make in your life. And let’s face it: unless you’re coming from a family with generational wealth, a single scholarship may not suffice to finance your education or at least save you from massive student loans.

To really lighten the financial load, you need to apply for multiple scholarships. Even if the amount is only $500, it can add up over time and make a significant difference in the long run. Always diversify your scholarship search.

Don’t limit yourself to just state-specific scholarships. You should also apply for national scholarships, which may be more competitive but offer larger opportunities.