Am I dependent or independent? Residency for tuition? (Complicated situation)

<p>My application is done, except for residency and independent/dependent things. I have a complicated situation and am really confused.</p>

<p>Background: My grandparents have had custody of me since birth due to problems my mom had with her previous child. I've lived with my grandparents in Florida my whole life. My mother also lives in Florida.</p>

<p>Last year I moved to Orlando in an apartment to attend Valencia College, and over 50% of my income that year came from scholarships/grants, and money left to me from my grandfather who passed at an early age (so i should have been independent I think?). However, Valencia told me since I was 18 and my grandma no longer had custody, I had to list my mother and claim to be her dependent for some reason, even though she did not support me financially over 50% and have never claimed residence at her place. I guess since I was 18 I basically 'belonged' to her again? I was able to use my grandmother for Florida Residency with no problem.</p>

<p>Now here's where it gets tricky: My grandmother just passed away last June, and her/my permanent residence will be sold soon. My question is, am I a dependent or an independent? I assume I will switch my permanent residence to my mother’s address, but she still doesn't/can't support me over 50%. All of my income is still coming from my school, and money left to me from my grandfather and now grandmother.</p>

<p>Also, how do I fill out the Florida Residency page in this situation now? Which house address would I use, my apartment, grandmother’s house, or my mother’s house? I know I qualify as a Florida resident, but am not sure which address or whose information to provide? </p>

<p>Thank you so much for anyone willing to try and figure this out lol.</p>

<p>In Florida, you are dependent until you are 21.</p>

<p>Okay, thank you.</p>

<p>Did your grandparents have legal guardianship over you? If that is the case, you’d be a independent by FAFSA’s standard. They also can do a dependency override for unusual cases (much like your own). I would call FAFSA to explain your circumstances and ask their opinion. You might even be able to online chat on their website. </p>