FL H0153

Exempts first-time-in-college students from excess credit hour surcharges if they complete their baccalaureate degree program within 4 years.

Excludes credit hours earned in upper-division-level science, technology, engineering, or mathematics courses that must be repeated to meet degree requirements from calculations toward excess credit hour surcharges.

Establishes tiered surcharge rates for students who enter state universities for the first time and maintain continuous enrollment: 50 percent of tuition for hours exceeding 120 percent (2009-2011), 100 percent of tuition for hours exceeding 115 percent (2011-2012), and 100 percent of tuition for hours exceeding 110 percent (2012-2013 and thereafter).

Takes effect July 1, 2017.