FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD STATE TUITION EXEMPTION PROGRAM (STEP)

The STEP program is a waiver of 50% of tuition and fees at State of Florida Community Colleges and Universities. These benefits are in addition to GI Bill benefits the member may be eligible for.

• All soldiers and airmen in the FLNG and meet the program requirements. When an individual enlists in the FLNG, they are automatically eligible for STEP.


• The basic requirements are the member must have completed all training requirements including basic and AIT, be at least 17 years old and domiciled in the state of Florida, have less than 15 years total military service, and continuously maintain active participation in the FLNG. The member cannot have a Bachelors Degree.


• A member must complete three years in the FLNG after completion of utilization of benefits.


• STEP will waive 50% the tuition at any State of Florida Community College or University.


• A member may utilize STEP to obtain a vocational certificate at State of Florida Community Colleges and/or up to a Bachelors Degree.

FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION DOLLARS FOR DUTY PROGRAM (EDD)

The Florida National Guard Offers 100% percent tuition and certain fees at Florida Community Colleges and Universities.  The basic requirements are:

Eligibility:
For enlistees (non-prior and prior service) who have not been a member of the Florida National Guard before July 1, 1997.

• Total time in service is less than 15 years.
• Soldier has completed/signed EDUCATIONAL DOLLARS FOR DUTY MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT, EDD SURVEY and OML DATA SHEET
• Three year obligation after use of benefits.
• Does not have a bachelor’s degree.
• Cannot utilize until BASIC & AIT are completed.
• Five years to use benefit.
• Five-year clock starts at completion of BASIC & AIT for non-prior service and at enlistment date for prior service.
• Remains a member in good standing.
• Can be used for associates and bachelors degrees and technical certificates.
• Can be used to earn up to bachelor degree.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE FLNG ARE CONSIDERED FLORIDA RESIDENTS AND QUALIFY FOR THE INSTATE TUITION RATES

ALL MEMBERS USING STEP OR EDD MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FOR BENEFITS EACH SEMESTER

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL GUARD AT 1 800 342-6528.