FREE IN-STATE TUITION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
The Florida First Responder Scholarship (FFRS) was created to assist law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, paramedic, and firefighter trainees within the state by providing financial assistance for approved training programs. These funds are very limited and therefore not guaranteed.
2025/26 FFRS Application - This should be submitted for 0660 Spring 2026 only at this time.
The following programs qualify for FFRS funds:
Law Enforcement Academy (BLE-PSAV)
- Corrections Academy (BEC-PSAV)
- Firefighter Academy (FFCO-PSAV)
- Firefighter/EMT Combination (FFEM-PSAV)
- EMT Applied Technology Diploma (EMT-ATD)
- Paramedic Certificate (PMED-CT)
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS-AS)
Recipients must not be sponsored by an employer that is already covering the cost of tuition.
The award amount covers tuition & fees less any state or federal financial aid (excluding direct loans) received by the trainee plus eligible expenses. If applicable, eligible expenses are added into the total award amount for the term. The financial aid office will automatically determine which eligible expenses qualify based on state guidelines. The award amount is based on in-state tuition rates. An award for a non-resident trainee will not include the out-of-state fee.
NOTE: Applications will be reviewed once the term begins. Once we receive funds from the state, the funds will be posted for approved applications. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have any questions about the Florida First Responder Scholarship, please contact Marianne Basta at Basta.Marianne@SPCollege.edu.