FAQ for Residency

INDEPENDENT STUDENT CHECKLIST:

I am over the age of 24, or I will be by the time I first begin class
I am under the age of 24, but I can document that I earned at least $7,101 for the last tax year, and I claimed myself at least $7,101 for the last tax year, and I claimed myself as a dependent, or no other person claimed me as a dependent for tax purposes. (Provide a copy of last year's tax return).
I am under the age of 24, but I am married. (Provide a copy of marriage certificate.)
I am under the age of 24, but I have others who receive more than half of their support from me. (provide your last year's tax return showing names and relationship of dependents.)
I am under the age of 24, but I have been discharge from the military. (Provide copies of your discharge orders.)
I am under the age of 24, but I was a ward or dependent of the courts before I reached the age of 18. (Provide form(s) from DCF or court documents.)
I have been classified as an independent person by the Business Office.

NEXT STEPS: If you checked any of the boxes in this column, you are considered independent. Complete the Residency Affidavit. Provide the document(s) requested above, and provide Tier 1/Tier 2 documents in your name (See Residency Documents List below.) Please use the Cover page and checklist for proof of indepenence to submit your documents to the Administrative Office.

DEPENDENT STUDENT CHECKLIST:

I am under the age of 24, and my parents or legal guardian claim me as a dependent for income tax purposes.
I am under the age of 24 but I have lived continuously with an adult relative or another person who has claimed me as a dependent on their income taxes other than my parent for at least three years. (Provide documents proving 12 months physical residency of relative, and that you lived with them for three years.)
I am under the age of 24, and my stepparent claims me as a dependent for income tax purposes. (Attach copies of legal adoption papers or evidence of relationship for five years).

NEXT STEPS: If you checked any of the boxes in this column, you are considered dependent. Have your parents of legal guardian complete residency affidavit. Provide the document(s) listed above and the Tier 1/Tier 2 documents in your parent or legal guardian's name (see Residency Documents List below).

If you cannot prove that you are a dependent or an independent by checking one of the boxes above in the first column, you may write a letter documenting your circumstances to petition that Simpson Technical College treat you as an independent person for establishing residency for tuition purposes. Your letter must be detailed, compelling, and must document the conditions and reasons that you feel you should be treated as an independent person. Please bring to the Business Office or mail to: Simpson Technical College, 4057 California Street, Brooksville, FL 34606.

Residency Documentation List

At least two of the following documents must be submitted that are dated, issued or filed 12 months before the first day of classes. At least one of the documents must be from Tier 1. As some evidence is more persuasive than others, more than two may be requested. No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive. Additionally, there must be an absence of information that contradicts the applicant’s claim of residency.

The burden of providing clear and convincing proof rests with the student, or if the student is a dependent, with his or her parent or guardian. For documents to be “clear and convincing” it must be credible, trustworthy and sufficient to persuade the institution that residency in Florida is not solely for pursuing an education, and that residency in any other states has been relinquished.

All documentation submitted is subject to review and verification.

Tier 1 Documents: At least one of the two documents submitted must be from this list. Both must be dated, issued or filed 12 months before the first day of classes.

A Florida voter’s registration card.
A Florida driver’s license.
A State of Florida identification card.
A Florida vehicle registration.
Proof of a permanent home in Florida, which is occupied as the primary residence by the individual or by the individual’s parent if the individual is a dependent child.
Proof of a homestead exemption in Florida.
Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years (if Florida high school diploma or GED was earned within the last 12 months).
Proof of permanent full-‐time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a consecutive 12-‐month period.

Tier 2 Documents: Documents that are dated, issued or filed 12 months before the first day of classes from this list may be used in conjunction with documents from Tier 1.

A Declaration of Domicile in Florida (12 months from the date the document was sworn and subscribed).
A Florida professional or occupational license.
A Florida incorporation.
Proof of membership in Florida-‐based charitable or professional organization.
Benefit histories from Florida agencies or public assistance programs.
Any other documentation that supports the student’s request for resident status (may include utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; or an official state, federal, or court document evidencing legal ties to Florida).

Unacceptable Documents: The following items are not acceptable forms of documentation to establish that one has been living in Florida for 12 consecutive months:

Birth Certificate
Social Security card
Passport
Shopping Club/Rental Cards
W-‐2 Form
Tax Return
Bank Statements