Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 in 16 credits of college preparatory courses and have attained the score established by the state legislature on the SAT or ACT.  Students must also have 100 hours of community service.  To see the minimum scores or other ways to qualify, go to www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf/fasrequire.htm.
 

To renew the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and meet the minimum earned credit hour requirements that are listed in the Bright Futures section. If students fail to achieve a 3.00 GPA in college but achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA, they will automatically be transferred to the Florida Medallion Scholars Award level for the remainder of their college career. There is a one-time restoration option.

The award will be an amount per credit hour that is specified by the General Appropriations Act. The award may cover up to 45 trimester credit hours per academic year. Summer tuition and fees may be covered, if funds are available, and the student has not completed 45 trimester credit hours during the first two trimesters. Students may use the scholarship for up to 132 trimester credit hours to complete an undergraduate degree.

The top Academic Scholar award recipient in each school district receives a cost per credit hour award established by the Florida Legislature in the General Appropriations Act in addition to the Florida Academic Scholars award.