Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship test score requirements will rise for students graduating in 2028, making it harder to qualify for one of the state’s main sources of university financial aid.
The Florida Department of Education has increased the minimum SAT score for the Florida Academic Scholars award from 1,330 to 1,350. The equivalent CLT requirement has risen from 95 to 96, while the ACT threshold remains 29. ([www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us](https://www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/guidance/florida-bright-futures/))
Higher Bright Futures scholarship scores
The changes also affect the Florida Medallion Scholars award, with the minimum SAT score increasing from 1,190 to 1,200. The CLT benchmark has moved from 83 to 84, and the ACT requirement has risen from 24 to 25. ([www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us](https://www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/guidance/florida-bright-futures/))
The new thresholds apply to Florida high school students graduating in 2028. State law requires the education department to publish any examination-score changes before each school year for students graduating during the following two years. ([flsenate.gov](https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/Chapter1009/All))
The department has not given a specific explanation for the latest increases. Braulio Colón, executive director of the Florida College Access Network, said previous changes had been linked to costs or other factors.
Students who find it difficult to demonstrate their knowledge in exam conditions may be particularly affected, he said. Bright Futures awards can cover a substantial part of the cost of attending an eligible Florida institution, although tuition is only one element of the overall cost of higher education.
The Florida Academic Scholars award requires a 3.5 weighted GPA, 16 approved high school credits and 100 hours of volunteer service, paid work or a combination of both. The Medallion award requires a 3.0 weighted GPA and the same course-credit requirement, alongside 75 volunteer hours, 100 paid hours or a combined total of 100 hours. ([floridabrightfutures.gov](https://www.floridabrightfutures.gov/))
Florida’s official Bright Futures information says the Academic Scholarship currently covers 100 per cent of tuition at a public university, while the Medallion Scholarship covers 75 per cent. Housing, transport, childcare, books and other living expenses are not covered simply by meeting the tuition requirement. ([www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us](https://www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/guidance/florida-bright-futures/))
Advice for students and families
Christie Raburn, executive director of high school education for Hillsborough County Public Schools, said test scores were only one part of preparing for college. She urged students to work with school counsellors, who can help families understand Bright Futures requirements, complete the federal financial aid application and monitor their progress.
Bright Futures applicants can take the relevant examinations repeatedly up to the deadline in their final year of high school. Official guidance says scores must generally be available by 31 August of the graduation year, and students should ensure they are sent to the Florida Department of Education’s official score repository. ([floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org](https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/pdf/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf))
Families in Hillsborough County can also seek help through the district’s SCOPE programme, which supports students and parents with college planning and financial aid requirements.
