Homeless Fee Exemption

Who is eligible for the exemption?
In order to qualify for a fee exemption as a result of homelessness, the student must meet the criteria outlined in Florida Statute 1009.25(1)(f):  A student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a public or private shelter designed to provide temporary residence, a public or private transitional living program, or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
NOTE: SPC Defines temporary as 12 months or less.

How often do I need to apply?
You must apply for the Homeless Fee Exemption each term. Terms are defined as Fall, Spring (includes Winter Session) and Summer.
Students must complete the Homeless Fee Exemption from the date that enrollment begins for that term until 30 days prior to the start of the earliest term of their enrollment.

What dates are important for me to know?
Homeless Fee Exemption Dates – Fall 2024

NOTE: The Homeless Tuition Exemption is not awarded retroactively. Certifications of Homelessness and Enrollment Notifications must be submitted prior to the start date of the class in order to be applied. Any submissions received late are considered retroactive, and may not be applied.

What does the Homeless Fee Exemption cover?
The Homeless Fee Exemption covers in-state tuition, Access Fees and Lab fees. It does not cover books or supplies.
If you are taking any classes as a third (or more) attempt, the Homeless Fee Exemption will only cover the in-state portion of tuition.

What about Florida residency?
Florida residency is waived for any term in which the Homeless Fee Exemption is approved.

What is the process?

1. 1. Complete the SPC Admissions process. Make sure you have an SPC ID number and have completed any required testing.
      If this is your first term at SPC, SPC will waive the Application Fee upon approval of the Certification of Homelessness.
      If the Homeless Fee Exemption is not approved and you begin classes, you will owe the Application Fee to SP

   2. Enroll in classes

   3. Submit a Release of Confidential Information from Student Record for your Certifying Agency or Person assisting you.
      This will allow SPC to ask your Certifying Agency or Person assisting you for verification of homelessness.
      This will also allow your Certifying Agency or Person assisting you to obtain information specific to your account.
      A release that you have signed with your Certifying Agency is not sufficient for SPC to obtain or release information.

   4. Select this link:  Certification of Homelessness.

      • Select Continue at the bottom of the screen.
      • Read and complete the STUDENT SECTION.
      • Enter your name to sign the document. Make sure the name at the top of the form and the signature at the bottom are exactly the same.
      • Select Apply and then select Click to Sign.
      • Enter the name and email address of the agency or person who is assisting you. Select Next.
      • Enter your SPC student email and select Click to Sign.
      • You will receive an email with a link to the Certification of Homelessness form. Select Confirm my email address. This step is necessary to ensure your submission has gone through successfully.
      • You will get the following message – “You have already verified this signature.”
      • You have completed your portion of the form.

   5. The form will be routed to your agency or to the person who is assisting you for completion of the CERTIFICATION SECTION.

      • Contact the agency or person assisting you to let them know to check their email inbox for the notification.
      • Once the form is completed by the agency or the person assisting you, it will route to SPC for review.
      • SPC will contact the agency or person assisting you to verify your homeless status.

What if I change my enrollment?
If you change your enrollment, complete the Homeless Fee Exemption Enrollment survey. This will keep you from owing funds back to SPC.
If you change your enrollment again, complete the Homeless Fee Exemption Enrollment survey AGAIN.

What is the timeframe?
Verification of homelessness is completed within 30 days of the first date of classes.  Funds will be posted within up to 10 business days after verification of homelessness AND the Homeless Fee Exemption Enrollment survey are both complete.

How will I know the status?
Notifications are sent to your SPC student email address.

Are there any other recommendations?
It is highly recommended that you do the following:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will determine if you are eligible for additional funding.
2. If you are applying for student loans, contact a Financial Aid Counselor so you can understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower.
3. Begin the process of establishing Florida residency by obtaining your Florida ID.

What if I have questions?

Contact Austin Crawford at 727-341-4464 or crawford.austin@spcollege.edu.

Related Resources:

• SPC Student Assistance Program