I actually talked to my senator…Lauren Book…on the phone. She picked up the phone!!! Lol!
She is having her assistant find out some info on this.
I will update as soon as I hear anything.
May I suggest that any of us interested call your senator at their local office and ask what’s going on. They are not in session and should be “home”. Perhaps one of us will get an answer.
FYI!!!
I heard back from my Senator Book’s office and was told that the bill has NOT been sent to Gov. Scott as of yet. No reason was given…ugh!
Did anyone else contact their representative?
@ufmomfriend looks like the budget is being sent to the Gov. on Tuesday a/p attached…
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/starting-the-veto-clock-rick-scott-likely-to-get-budget-tuesday/2325261
@eramom
Thanks for the article. When I spoke to Book, I got the impression…just an impression, that the bright futures portion looked much more safe than the k-12 portion. Tired of waiting, but it is worth it for the $ it will save me.
Looks like Scott will be doing some line item veto’s, but Higher Education is likely safe. The legislature would need to reconvene in June to hammer out the differences, since the new budget year begins July 1’st.
After which, it’s likely going to take the financial aid offices at UF a while to work out it’s impact. I expect we wouldn’t get a confirmation on the BF increase (especially for those who are not freshman), until the money is paid out in early September. 
An update on some of the backstage negotiations going on over the budget.
“Also assured of Scott’s approval is the Senate’s higher education funding, which includes major increases in university funding, cuts to state colleges, incentives for recruiting top faculty and a big boost to Bright Futures scholarships so that students who receive them will have university tuition fully covered, plus a stipend for textbooks and other supplies.”
It looks like this is actually happening! 
Still wondering if Benacquisto will be available to out of state students, or if that will end up in a line-item veto.
Rick Scott agrees to sign $83 billion state budget after reaching deal with Corcoran, Negron
Looks like higher education will be un-touched in the deal, so all of it should be approved.
Ok, so now for the BIG question, if an OOS National Merit student takes a scholarship to a FL state school will it be for all four years or year to year depending on the whims of the legislator?
Oooh - great question!
I thought it was SB 374 that we were following for the Bright Futures and OOS Benaquisto increases.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0374
@crazy4info SB 374 is embedded in the budget SB 2500.
The state legislature may stop funding any “New” scholarships, but they will still honor any in-state or OOS student who was already awarded the scholarship.
They could reduce the amount of the scholarship (like they’ve done in the past with Bright Futures), but the state would need to be in a financial crisis (Like they where in 2009/10) before they changed any current scholarships awards.
Florida isn’t unique in this case. However, it is a growing state (population and economy), and it’s governed by fairly conservative (budget wise) Governor/Legislature.
Does this mean that bright futures is going back up to full tuition???
Yes, the highest level award is increasing to full tuition + $300 a semester for books.
Will BF cover a specific amount per credit hour or just the full amount for whatever type of program your enrolled in? My friend is doing UF online, so would their tuition be fully covered or would they get extra money since the tuition costs 25% less for UF online students?
And we are sure this goes into effect this year? Should we see our financial aid status’s change any time soon? @Gator88NE
@UFgogators
Currently BF pays a set rate per credit hour. I would expect that to continue. So, yes, they could receive extra funds for using UF online or for attending a CC.
For example, today, if you have a Florida Prepaid program, it pays your tuition first, then BF pays the rest. What’s left over from BF is deposited into your checking account.
I don’t know how the $300 per semester for books will be handled.
@beachgirl12345 Yes, it goes into effect this year. The new state budget goes into effect on July 1’st, so these funds are in place for this fall, and through next June.
@Gator88NE When would we find out how much BF pays per credit hour?