This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
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DATE: 3/25/2022
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF FINAL BILL ANALYSIS
BILL #: CS/HB 461 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program Student Service Requirements
SPONSOR(S): Post-Secondary Education & Lifelong Learning Subcommittee, Melo, Valdes and others
TIED BILLS: None IDEN./SIM. BILLS: CS/SB 1060
FINAL HOUSE FLOOR ACTION: 119 Y’s
0 N’s GOVERNOR’S ACTION: Pending
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
CS/HB 461 passed the House on March 4, 2022. The bill was amended in the Senate on March 4, 2022, and
returned to the House. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and subsequently passed the bill as
amended on March 10, 2022.
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program (Bright Futures Program) rewards Florida high school
graduates who earn high academic achievement and enroll in postsecondary education at an eligible Florida
public or private postsecondary institution. Each of the four awards under the Bright Futures Program requires
a student to perform a specified number of hours of volunteer service work to meet eligibility requirements.
Under the service work requirements, a student must also identify a civic issue or a professional area of
interest, develop a plan of involvement to address the topic, and reflect and report upon the experience.
Compensation or academic credit for service work performed by the student is prohibited, unless performed
through specified courses.
The bill allows high school students graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year and thereafter, to meet the
volunteer service requirements prescribed under each award in the Bright Futures Program through 100 hours
of paid work. A student meeting an award requirement through paid work must have approval from the district
school board, the administrators of a nonpublic school, or the Department of Education for a home education
program student.
The bill requires a student to evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience
through papers or other presentations and makes it optional for a student to identify a social or civic issue or a
professional area of interest and develop a plan for personal involvement.
The bill has an indeterminate fiscal impact. See Fiscal Comments.
Subject to the Governor’s veto powers, the bill takes effect upon becoming a law.
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I. SUBSTANTIVE INFORMATION
A. EFFECT OF CHANGES:
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
In 1997,
1
the Florida Legislature created the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program (Bright
Futures Program), a lottery-funded scholarship program, to reward any Florida high school graduate
who merits recognition of high academic achievement and who enrolls in a degree program, certificate
program, or applied technology program at an eligible Florida public or private postsecondary education
institution.
2
The Bright Futures Program consists of the following awards:
Florida Academic Scholarship;
Florida Medallion Scholarship;
Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Scholarship; and
Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.
3
Florida Academic Scholarship and Florida Medallion Scholarship
A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) award or
the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) award must graduate from a Florida public high school with a
standard high school diploma, graduate from a registered Florida Department of Education (DOE)
private high school, earn a general education diploma (GED), complete a home education program, or
graduate from a non-Florida high school as an eligible student.
4
A student must also meet the following initial eligibility requirements:
5
Scholarship
Type
16 High School Course Credits
6
High School
Weighted Bright
Futures GPA
College Entrance
Exams
(ACT/SAT)
7
Service Hours
1
Chapter 97-379, L.O.F.
2
Section 1009.53(1), F.S.
3
Section 1009.53(2), F.S.
4
2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5, 2021), at 3, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf. An out-of-state student may qualify for a Bright Futures
Scholarship if the student earned a high school diploma from a non-Florida school while living with a parent or guardian who is a
Florida resident and on military or public service assignment away from Florida during the student’s last year of high school. Florida
Department of Education, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and the Out-Of-State Student (2021-22), at 2, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFOOSGuide.pdf.
5
2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5, 2021), at 3, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
6
The required coursework aligns with the State University System admission requirements found in Florida Board of Governor’s
Regulation 6.002, Admission of Undergraduate First-Time-in-College, Degree-Seeking Freshmen, available at
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6_002FINAL_FTIC_03252020.pdf.
7
Section 1009.531(6)(b)-(d), F.S. To ensure the required exam scores represent top student performance and are equivalent between
the ACT and SAT, the department determines the score for FAS as no lower than 89
th
national percentile on the SAT, for FMS no
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FAS
8
4 - English
(three must include substantial writing)
4 - Mathematics
(at or above the Algebra I level)
3 - Natural Science
(two must have substantial laboratory)
3 - Social Science
2 - World Language
(sequential, in same language)
3.50 29/1330 100 hours
FMS
9
3.00 25/1210 75 hours
A student who has demonstrated academic merit through a recognition program may be eligible for an
FAS or FMS award without having to meet one or more of the requirements above. These merit
recognition programs include:
10
National Merit Finalists and Scholars;
National Hispanic Scholars;
Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma;
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma;
AICE Curriculum; and
IB Curriculum.
An FAS award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount necessary to pay 100 percent of
tuition and applicable fees and an additional stipend for textbooks as specified in the General
Appropriations Act (GAA).
11
An FMS award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount
necessary to pay 75 percent of tuition and fees,
12
however, an eligible FMS recipient enrolled at a
Florida College System (FCS) institution is eligible for an award amount equal to the amount necessary
to pay 100 percent of tuition and fees.
13
A student may receive an FAS or FMS award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit
hours required to complete an associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or postsecondary career
certificate program.
14
For the 2020-2021 academic year, a total of $438,909,995 dollars
15
were disbursed to 67,369
students
16
receiving an FAS award and $212,251,523 dollars
17
to 51,818 students
18
receiving an FMS
award.
Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
lower than 75
th
national percentile on the SAT, and the required ACT score must be made concordant. The department must publish
any changes to the exam requirements that apply to students graduating in the next 2 years.
8
Section 1009.534, F.S.
9
Section 1009.535, F.S.
10
Sections 1009.534(1)(b)-(e) and 1009.535(1)(b)-(e), F.S.
11
Section 1009.534(2), F.S.
12
Section 1009.535(2), F.S.
13
Id. Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, an FMS who is enrolled in an associate degree program at an FCS institution is eligible
for the award.
14
Section 1009.532(3)(a), F.S.
15
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2021), available
at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD2.pdf.
16
Id.
17
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Medallion Scholars Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2021), available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD3.pdf.
18
Id.
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A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
(FGSV) award must meet the following initial eligibility requirements:
19
Achieve a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA in the non-elective high school courses.
Take at least three full credits in a single career and technical education program.
Achieve a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA in the career education courses.
Complete 30 service hours.
Achieve the required minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Florida Postsecondary Education
Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.) exams depicted in the table below:
20
Exam Type Sub-test Required Score
ACT Reading 19
English 17
Mathematics 19
SAT Reading Test 24
Writing and Language Test 25
Math Test 24
P.E.R.T. Reading 106
Writing 103
Mathematics 114
A student may receive an FGSV award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours or
equivalent clock hours required to complete an applied technology diploma, associate in applied
science or associate in science degree, or a postsecondary career certificate program.
21
An FGSV award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified in the GAA.
22
The
award amount in the GAA for FY 2021-22 is:
23
$39 per credit hour or equivalent for a career certificate program.
$39 per credit hour for an applied technology diploma program.
$48 per credit hour for an associate in applied science or associate in science degree program.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, a total of $638,015 dollars
24
were disbursed to 755 students
25
receiving an FGSV award.
Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Scholarship
A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional
Education (FGSC) Scholarship must meet the following initial eligibility requirements:
26
Earn a minimum of five postsecondary credit hours through CAPE industry certifications which
articulate for college credit.
Complete 30 service hours.
19
Section 1009.532(1), F.S.; see also 2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5,
2021), at 6, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
20
Id.
21
Section 1009.532(5)(a)1., F.S.; see also 2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 2: What You Need to Know Now That
You Are Eligible (July 1, 2021), at 3, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter2.pdf.
22
Section 1009.536(3), F.S.
23
Specific Appropriation 5, s.1, ch. 2021-36, L.O.F.
24
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2021),
available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD4.pdf.
25
Id.
26
Section 1009.536(2)(a)-(b), F.S.
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A student may receive an FGSC award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours or
equivalent clock hours required to complete an applied technology diploma, associate in applied
science or associate in science degree, or a postsecondary career certificate program.
27
An FGSC award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified in the GAA.
28
The
award amount in the GAA for FY 2021-22 is:
29
$39 per credit hour or equivalent for a career certificate program.
$39 per credit hour for an applied technology diploma program.
$48 per credit hour for an associate in applied science or associate in science degree program.
Upon completion of an eligible associate in science degree program, an FGSC scholar may also
receive an award for a maximum of 60 credit hours toward the baccalaureate degree.
30
The award
amount specified in the GAA for FY 2021-22 is:
31
$48 per credit hour for a bachelor of science program for which there is a statewide articulation
agreement.
$48 per credit hour for a bachelor of applied science program at an FCS institution.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, a total of $262,253 dollars
32
were disbursed to 286 students
33
receiving an FGSC award.
Student Volunteer Requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Each award in the Bright Futures Program requires a student to complete a specified number of hours
of volunteer service work to be eligible to receive a scholarship award. A student must meet the
following service requirements:
Bright Futures Scholarship Program Required Service Hours
34
FAS 100
FMS 75
FGSV 30
FGSC 30
The student’s volunteer service work must be approved by the district school board, the administrators
of a nonpublic school, or the DOE for home education students.
35
Each district school board and the administrators of a nonpublic school must establish approved
activities and the process for documentation of service hours, including the deadline by which the hours
must be completed.
36
Service work may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental
internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for
27
Section 1009.532(5)(b)1., F.S.; see also 2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 2: What You Need to Know Now That
You Are Eligible (July 1, 2021), at 3, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter2.pdf.
28
Section 1009.536(3), F.S.
29
Specific Appropriation 5, s.1, ch. 2021-36, L.O.F.
30
Section 1009.536(5)(b)2., F.S.
31
Specific Appropriation 5, s.1, ch. 2021-36, L.O.F.
32
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2021), available
at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD5.pdf.
33
Id.
34
Sections 1009.534(1), 1009.535(1), 1009.536(1)(e) and 1009.536(3)(b), F.S.
35
Id.
36
2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5, 2021), at 4 and 6-7, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
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public office.
37
Except for credit earned through service-learning courses,
38
the student may not receive
payment or academic credit for service work performed.
39
The hours earned by a student must be documented in writing, signed by the student and the student’s
parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization where the work was performed.
In addition to the service hours, a student must identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that
interests him or her, develop a plan for their personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning
more about the area, and, through papers or presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her
experience.
40
Effect of the Bill
Beginning with high school students graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year, the bill authorizes a
student to meet the volunteer service requirements prescribed under each award in the Bright Futures
Program through 100 hours of paid work. The bill provides students with the option to meet the award’s
eligibility requirements through volunteer service or paid work. A student meeting an award requirement
through paid work must obtain the same approval required of students meeting the requirement
through volunteer service which includes the approval of the district school board, the administrators of
a nonpublic school, or the DOE for a home education program student.
Additionally, the bill requires a student to evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid
work experience through papers or other presentations and makes it optional for a student to identify a
social or civic issue or a professional area and develop a plan for personal involvement or learning
about the area.
The bill makes conforming changes to reflect the authorization of paid work to meet the requirements
under the Bright Futures Program.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
See Fiscal Comments.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
37
Id.
38
Section 1003.497, F.S.
39
2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5, 2021), at 4 and 6-7, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
40
Id.
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None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill may save students money and increase access to postsecondary opportunities by authorizing
paid work as an option for a student to meet eligibility requirements under the Bright Futures Program,
potentially allowing more students to qualify.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminate. By authorizing paid work as an option for a student to meet
eligibility requirements under the Bright Futures Program, the number of students who may now qualify
for an award under the program may increase.