How is Bright Futures disbursed?
State scholarship funds are disbursed to eligible students after the drop/add period each semester, minus any money owed the university by the recipients, such as tuition/fees, housing, parking or library fines, etc. Any balance remaining after institutional charges have been paid is deposited directly into the student’s bank account (if the student has signed up for direct deposit), or mailed to the student’s local address as listed by the Office of the University Registrar.
The annual award for students receiving Florida Academic Scholarships covers the cost of tuition plus $600 ($300 fall/$300 spring) to cover cost-of-education expenses. Some students have incorrectly understood the program descriptions provided by the state to mean that they would receive a special $300 disbursement to buy books and other supplies each term. These funds are part of the total scholarship and are not disbursed separately. If students run short on funds to buy books, they should check with the UF Bookstores or other bookstores about a textbook deferment.
For more information:
Student Financial Affairs page on Disbursement of financial aid
Florida Information Network’s page on Florida Bright Futures