FL S0428

Redefines "dependent child" to include persons not deemed independent for federal financial aid purposes, and expands "parent" to include stepparents in addition to natural, adoptive parents, and legal guardians.

Reduces residency requirement from 5 to 3 consecutive years for dependent children living with adult relatives and for dependent children whose parents are domiciled outside Florida.

Prohibits denial of resident tuition classification to U.S. citizen dependent children based solely on their parents' immigration status.

Creates new resident tuition classification for honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Services who physically reside in Florida while enrolled in higher education.

Establishes fee exemption from nonresident tuition for students who resided in Florida with a parent for 3 consecutive years before high school graduation and attended Florida high school for 3 consecutive years, if they provide affidavit to apply for permanent residency when eligible.