New legislation aims to increase college access by ensuring all Florida students understand their financial aid options.
In a major step toward increasing college access and affordability, the Florida Legislature passed legislation to include Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) instruction into the required high school financial literacy curriculum. The bill, approved by both the House and Senate chambers, and still awaiting the Governor’s signature, marks a critical step forward to boost FAFSA completion rates and empower all students across the state to pursue education after high school.
The bills, CS/CS/HB 1255 and CS/CS/SB 1618, adds discussion or instruction on completion of the FAFSA within the required personal financial literacy course students taken in high school. This bills add the following topics to the course: “Costs of postsecondary education, including the cost of attendance, completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, scholarships and grants, and student loans.”
This policy directly supports Florida’s Sail to 60 Goal, aiming for 60% of working-age Floridians to hold a high-value postsecondary degree or credential by 2030. According to recent data from the National College Attainment Network, Florida ranks 46th in the nation for FAFSA completion, leaving an estimated $358 million in Pell Grants unused in the previous academic year due to low participation.
“Making FAFSA education a standard part of high school learning is a game-changer for students and families across Florida,” said Braulio Colón, Executive Director of the Florida College Access Network (FCAN). “This legislation ensures every student is equipped with the knowledge to unlock financial aid opportunities and take that next step toward a rewarding career through education.”
FCAN included the policy in its 2025 Advocacy Agenda and was championed by FCAN’s 2024-25 Student Advocacy Fellows, who met with legislators during a visit to Tallahassee to elevate the need for increased and standardized FAFSA awareness. FCAN also thanked state lawmakers for their bipartisan leadership on this initiative and offered support for its implementation.
By unlocking access to federal, state, and institutional aid––including grants, work-study, and scholarships—the FAFSA policy included in the legislation marks a pivotal moment in Florida’s efforts to improve college affordability and build a stronger, more educated workforce.
According to a Gallup-Lumina poll, 56% of never-enrolled and previously-enrolled adults indicated cost as a major barrier to college. By improving FAFSA awareness, Florida can bridge the gap between perceived and actual affordability when residents are considering options to pursue an education beyond high school.