Residency Reclassification

Florida Resident vs. Non-Florida Resident

Under Florida law, there is a difference between being a “Florida Resident” and being a “Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes” in accordance with S1009.21 Florida Statutes, Florida Department of Education Rule  6A-10.044, and the Board of Governors Regulation 7.005.

Living in or attending school in Florida is not tantamount to establishing a legal residence for tuition purposes.

For the purpose of assessing residency and tuition fees, students will be classified as “resident” or “nonresident.” A “resident” for tuition purposes is a student who qualifies for the in-state tuition rate; a “nonresident” for tuition purposes is a student who does not qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

To best help you understand the process, here are some things you need to know about Residency Reclassification.

• As the applicant, read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the reclassification application. Please ensure that all sections of the application and all required documents are complete before submission. PDF copies of all documentation is required before a decision can be rendered.
• Students who depend on out-of-state parents for support are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.
• The determination of dependent or independent student status is important because it is the basis for whether the student has to submit their own documentation for residency (as an independent) or their parent‛s or guardian‛s documentation of residency (as a dependent). For further clarification, please visit the Residency Definitions page. If the student is under 24, they are a Dependent student until proven otherwise.
• Despite the length of time a student attends UCF, they may not qualify for “Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes”. To be considered a “Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes,” a student must prove through official and/or legal documents that they have moved to Florida permanently and not merely living in Florida temporarily while they attend UCF. All supporting documents 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 University of Central Florida uses UCF email as the official method of communication and notification during the review process. As the student, please ensure that you have activated your UCF e-mail account for purposes of receiving important information related to your application.
• Please note, until a decision has been made on your request, you should consider yourself a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes. It is your responsibility to adhere to all fee payment deadlines for the term. If you are approved for in-state residency after payment is made, you may be refunded the out-of-state portion of your fees.
• An application for Residency Reclassification does not guarantee approval.

Initial Residency Classification vs. Residency Reclassification

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the College of Graduate Studies Admissions determines a brand new student’s initial residency classification when the student applies to UCF. (These links will not take you to the Registrar’s Office Residency Reclassification application)

• Undergraduate Admissions Initial Residency determination: https://apply.ucf.edu/forms/residency/basicinfo
• Graduate Admissions Initial Residency determination: https://graduate.ucf.edu/admissions/cost/

Failure to provide all relevant information and required documentation in the residency section of the admission application could result in an initial non-Florida or out-of-state resident classification for tuition purposes.

Enrolled undergraduate 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 may submit a Residency Reclassification application with the Registrar’s Office. Enrolled graduate 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 may submit a Residency Reclassification petition with the College of Graduate Studies.

DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF RECLASSIFICATION REQUEST AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Documentation Needed for Reclassification

The evidentiary requirement for reclassification goes beyond that for the initial residency classification because these students have previously been determined to be out-of-state residents. The burden of proof is on the student to provide clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for at least 12 months rather than residency to pursue an education.

A student who is initially classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes only if that student, or his or her parent if that student is a dependent, presents clear and convincing documentation that supports maintaining a bona fide domicile (permanent legal residency) in the state of Florida for 12 consecutive months, rather than for the purpose of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrolling at an institution of higher 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).

For more information and a complete list of documentation required please view our Residency Documentation page.

Appealing a Residency Decision

In cases where the applicant expresses a desire to appeal the residency classification decision and submit a formal residency appeal, the matter will be referred to the University Residency Appeals Committee. The written appeal and any additional supporting documentation must be submitted within 30 days of the denial. Applicants will be notified online of the decision following the final review.

The decision of the Residency Appeals Committee is final and there is no further appeal available for that term.

Please contact the Residency Reclassification area in the University Registrar’s Office for any questions (residencyreview@ucf.edu)