Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Cara Goldstone Image Written By: Cara Goldstone | Edited By: Alyssa Schulz | Updated: June 4, 2026

Florida Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • Florida scholarships may be offered to both Florida residents and out-of-state students attending college in Florida.
  • The best Florida scholarship depends on the applicant; the ones with the most specific eligibility criteria for which a student can apply are generally the best options.
  • There are Florida scholarships available for students of any grade level, major, demographic, and financial status.

As of the 2025 spring semester, 912,785 students were enrolled in Florida colleges— the 4th highest total of any U.S. state. With so many students competing for institutional financial aid, those hoping to attend school in Florida should apply for private scholarships, too. Keep reading to find a list of Florida scholarships and tips for how to win them.

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The 25 Best Florida Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2026

  • 1

  • Singhaus Scholarship for the Performing Arts

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJune 13, 2026

The Singhaus Scholarship for the Performing Arts is an award of up to $2,000 for Central Florida theatre students who are actively involved in the LGBTQ+ community. The scholarship aims to bring resources to these underserved students in the form of materials or funding for theatrical endeavors. Scholarship Details Need-based Awards range from $1,000 to $2,000

  • 2

  • Kantner Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2026

The Kantner Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to entrepreneurship as well as high potential for future success. The scholarship is a $2,000 to $3,000 one-time college scholarship awarded to outstanding high school students (including homeschooled students). Graduating high school seniors attending public or private

  • 3

  • Hearts for Community Service

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2026

The Hearts for Community Service Scholarship awards $5,000 annually to student residents from specific Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. markets who volunteer in their communities. The scholarship supports students enrolled in post-secondary institutions and encourages continued community service and educational advancement. Applications open from June 1st to June 30th, with winners announced in

  • 4

  • Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2026

Regions Bank awards quarterly scholarships of $8,000 each to the student with the best video or written essay. The topic of students' written or video essays must be an individual they know personally who lives in their community; the essay must address how the individual has inspired the applicant and helped them build the confidence they need to achieve their goals. Scholarship Details 4

  • 5

  • SEAFWA’s Law Enforcement Chief’s Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2026

Annually, SEAFWA’s Law Enforcement Chief’s Scholarships are awarded to students who advocate for wildlife conservation. There are three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each available to deserving students. This award is intended for students with a passion for the outdoors and an interest in the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources. The scholarship will assist students

  • 6

  • Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Studies

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2026

The Sarasota Film Society awards the $2,000 Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Studies to 5 Florida college students each year. Scholarship Details The scholarship is renewable with re-application every year Merit-based with no consideration to financial need Eligibility Criteria Reside in Sarasota or Manatee County Attending an accredited Florida

  • 7

  • Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineAugust 31, 2026

Together with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), the Florida Lottery has helped over 1 million scholars and counting receive a postsecondary education through the Bright Futures Scholarship program. Have you thought about applying? See how Bright Futures could make your educational goals a reality. Scholarship Details Funded by the Florida Lottery Awards range from partial

  • 8

  • Florida Farm to School Essay Contest

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineNovember 17, 2026

Whether you have an interest in agriculture, are passionate about nutrition or simply love to write, we invite you to enter the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness’s (FNW) first-ever Florida Farm to School Essay Contest. This Farm to School Month, submit an original essay responding to one of our three topics – each designed to

  • 9

  • Hagan Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2026

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate from college debt-free. Parents’ Adjusted Household Income must not exceed $125,000. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help purchase essential items for college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Scholarship Details

  • 10

  • Minority Teacher Education Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineDecember 2, 2026

The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) program was created to be Florida’s Answer to Diversity in Teaching. For over 20 years, the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. has answered the call and continues to provide the great state of Florida with high quality, highly qualified minority teachers. FFMT is governed by a Governor appointed Board of Directors from institutions of higher

  • 11

  • Nat Moore Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2026

The Nat Moore endowment will provide scholarships to graduating seniors from high schools in Miami- Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. No restriction is placed on the students choice of school or discipline of study. The number of scholarships awarded is based on the funding available and the number of quality applications received. The scholarships are primarily distributed directly

  • 12

  • Collaboratory Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 14, 2027

Welcome to the greatest community problem-solving initiative in American history. We are committed to bringing Southwest Florida together to solve all of our major social problems on an eighteen-year deadline. We plan to do this with the entire community working together including people of all ages, colors, abilities, beliefs, and imaginations across all five counties. Throughout our generosity,

  • 13

  • Built Ford Tough Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027

Through the National FFA Foundation, businesses and individuals support scholarships that are awarded to students with a wide variety of higher education plans and career goals. FFA provides scholarships that support all areas of agriculture, either in trade schools, certifications, or college. Scholarships support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Just one application is required

  • 14

  • Howard Club of Southwest Florida Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027

The Howard Club of Southwest Florida, Inc. Scholarship Awards Program is open to students, in Southwest Florida, requiring financial assistance to successfully matriculate Howard University’s undergraduate or graduate programs (“Applicants”). The application review and scholarship selection process will be managed by the Scholarship Committee of the Howard Club of Southwest Florida, Inc. (“The

  • 15

  • C. Valentine Bates Memorial Hope Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027

The mission of the Florida State Elks Association C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship is to provide financial support for the educational needs of Florida high school seniors without which they would not be able to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship targets students who have a 2.30 - 3.59 unweighted GPA. These students have demonstrated leadership through participation in

  • 16

  • Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR)

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027

The $2,500 Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) is awarded each year to high schoolers from more than 50 U.S. regions. The application involves a student submission and that of a sponsor alleging to the applicants' participation in a racial equity project. Scholarship Details Merit-based Both the applicant and their sponsor must apply You may not be related to your

  • 17

  • ROJ Postsecondary Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 23, 2027

CFY's Richard O. Jacobson Post-secondary Scholarship Program is open to all Pinellas County High School seniors with an expected spring graduation, or equivalent. Through partnerships with local sponsors, over $100,000 in post-secondary awards are distributed each year. Applications are evaluated by the CFY Scholarship Committee based on a variety of criteria including extracurricular activity,

  • 18

  • Florida Retired Educators Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2027

The Florida Retired Educators Foundation (FREF) Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors in Florida who plan to pursue a degree in education and become teachers within the state. Scholarship winners will be required to work for a minimum of one year for each year they are awarded the scholarship. Scholarship Details Scholarship program for students pursuing a degree in

  • 19

  • InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2027

InspirASIAN makes a difference in our community by supporting graduating high school seniors with their college education through our scholarship awards. InspirASIAN awards national scholarships to students residing in any state with a participating local InspirASIAN chapter. All students who apply will be considered for the national scholarships awards. Students who are not awarded national

  • 20

  • George Snow Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$12,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

Known as experts in scholarship administration, the George Snow Scholarship Fund has developed a reputation for creating innovative programs which address the educational needs of those in our community. Our scholarships have become the most sought after award in our area because of our Scholarship Support Services and the average amount of each award. Scholarship Details Supports high

  • 21

  • Military Family Support Trust

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

From providing scholarships to high school seniors and funding organizations that provide financial assistance for veterans and enlisted personnel, and service dogs for sight-impaired veterans and vets with PTSD, hospice care, and programs that help prevent homelessness for veterans to providing funding support through partnerships with the local military base in short term emergency and

  • 22

  • NAJA Scholarships

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries is made up of nearly 100 Junior Auxiliary Chapters throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. The Junior Auxiliary was founded on the principles of helping children and making a difference in their lives; it provides women the opportunity to serve and be a vital part of their communities. The objectives of

  • 23

  • Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 6, 2027

The Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship is dedicated to helping deserving students achieve their dream of a college education. Having awarded 620 scholarships to date, these scholarships have supported students across the United States in prestigious institutions like Auburn, Alabama, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and many more. The Foundation's goal is to empower students to excel in their

  • 24

  • Arts for Life! Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 11, 2027

Arts for Life! annually awards $1,000 scholarships to 25 graduating high school seniors in Florida who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art. Launched by former First Lady Columba Bush in 1999, the program has awarded scholarships to more than 575 gifted high school seniors. The application period is currently open until February. The Arts for Life!

  • 25

  • Simon Youth Greg Saunders Legacy Scholarship Program

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2027

Each year, SYF awards up to $1 million in one-time and renewable Simon Youth Scholarships to high school students in every community that is home to a Simon Mall. Targeting first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need, the Simon Youth Scholarships program furthers the SYF commitment to extending educational opportunities to all students who want to learn,

What are Florida scholarships?

Florida scholarships are financial aid packages and awards offered to students residing or attending school in the state of Florida. Some of these scholarships are institution-based, meaning they are given by a particular college, and some are “outside” scholarships, which are offered by private and nonprofit organizations to any student, regardless of their school.

Scholarships with state-based criteria are considered local scholarships since only students within a designated region are eligible to apply. As such, the applicant pool for local scholarships is smaller than others, so those who can apply have a greater chance to win. Applying to Florida scholarships is a great way for eligible students to maximize their winning potential.

How to apply for Florida scholarships

Every Florida scholarship has its own eligibility criteria; to apply, the first step is to ensure you are eligible. Some awards accept all groups of students, while others are designated for minority groups. For example, almost a third of Florida’s population is ethnically Hispanic. In turn, there are many Florida scholarships specifically for Hispanic students.

Some Florida scholarships require applicants to demonstrate their financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Whether or not you intend to apply for a need-based award, you should submit the FAFSA well in advance of its deadline. Submitting the FAFSA does not require you to take out any student loans; it just allows the government to evaluate your financial need.

With all this in mind, the best way to apply for Florida scholarships is to make a free account on Scholarships.com. All you need to do is input your demographics and academic information; we will match you with every scholarship for which you are eligible, including Florida scholarships. From there, just follow the detailed instructions on each scholarship’s information page to apply.

What are the best Florida scholarships?

Because different students will be eligible for different awards, the best Florida scholarship will depend on the applicant. Generally, the best scholarships for qualified applicants are those with the strictest eligibility requirements. The more specific a scholarship’s qualifications, the less competitive it will be.

However, students should not entirely exclude broadly-applicable scholarships from their search. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, for example, has dozens of award categories open to all kinds of Florida high school graduates. Eligibility varies by category and the maximum award value covers a student’s full college tuition; while competitive, it is a fantastic option for qualifying students.

Frequently asked questions about Florida scholarships

What are the best Florida scholarships for current college students?

College students in Florida should apply to the most specific scholarships for which they are eligible, because the best scholarships are the ones that applicants have the greatest chance to win. There are many highly-specific scholarships available to Florida college students, whether they are undergraduates or graduate students.

For undergraduate students pursuing film studies, for example, the Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Studies might be the best choice. Worth $2,000, students must have completed at least 1 year of college, reside in Sarasota or Manatee Counties, and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. These restrictive criteria designate this scholarship as noncompetitive.

Graduate students involved in stormwater-related fields may qualify for the Florida Stormwater Association Foundation (FSAEF) Scholarship Award. Applicants must maintain good academic standing at their Florida university and attend the FSA Winter Conference in order to receive this $2,000 award; Florida graduate students in stormwater-related majors are good candidates for the scholarship.

What are the best Florida scholarships for current high school students?

Florida high schoolers have countless scholarships available to them. The best ones will depend on their personal attributes, such as minority status, intended field of study, and grade level. The majority of Florida high school scholarships are targeted towards high school seniors; however, some awards are open to juniors as well.

For example, high school seniors planning to attend an undergraduate institution in Florida can apply to the Keisha Bodden Scholarship. Worth $1,500, students must hold a GPA of at least 2.75, demonstrate financial need, and reside in Central Florida to apply.

Are there full-tuition Florida scholarships?

Some scholarships for students in Florida cover a student’s full tuition. Some cover full tuition plus additional living expenses, such as residence costs, groceries, or schoolbooks; these are called “full-ride” scholarships. It’s important to note that these scholarships are extremely competitive because of the high award value, so students should apply to other scholarships in addition.

The Posse Foundation Scholarship, for example, is a nomination-based award for exceptional students across the United States; the city of Miami is one of its designated recruitment points. Nominated students are eligible to receive aid that can cover their entire tuition at any of the Foundation’s partner colleges. It is both highly-competitive and life-changing for its recipients.

Are there scholarships for out-of-state students in Florida?

Some Florida institutions offer scholarships for out-of-state students in particular. Other awards are open to students on a regional basis, meaning that students from an entire geographical area may apply. Out-of-state Florida students should apply to all the institutional and regional scholarships for which they are eligible to help fund their education.

For instance, Christian women in health-related fields from much of the American Southwest can apply for the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, which is worth $1,000. The award can be applied at any participating institution, including 11 Florida colleges. Out-of-state students can apply so long as they enroll in one of these participating programs.

Do I have to have financial need to win a Florida scholarship?

There are plenty of Florida scholarships based only on merit. These awards do not consider financial need as one of their qualifications, so applicants are judged by other measures instead. Academic excellence and outstanding public service achievements are common ways in which these scholarships are judged.

Florida students without financial need who aim to study architecture, for instance, can apply to the Robert and Joanne Koch Scholarship for Architecture. This award is worth $1,500 and can be used to cover board fees as well as tuition. High school seniors from Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties may apply so long as they have a GPA of 3.5 minimum.