FL H1417

Creates the First in Your Family Florida Medical School Scholarship and Grant Program within the Department of Education to provide scholarships to students who are the first in their families to attend an accredited medical school or physician assistant program, with priority given to students enrolled in Florida institutions who graduated from a Florida postsecondary institution within the last 5 years.

Scholarships are income-based for students with annual household income under $150,000; two-thirds of awards must go to students at in-state public institutions, and one-third to students at out-of-state institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Scholarships may be awarded and renewed for up to 4 years, with funds disbursed in three installments: 50% after September 1 upon enrollment verification, 25% in January, and 25% in June. Recipients may use up to $5,000 for emergency expenses (car, housing, health care) and up to $2,500 for professional supplies such as fees, kits, coats, and disability insurance.

Authorizes the Department of Education to award grants of up to $100,000 to public postsecondary institutions or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to create nontraditional mentoring services or support programs for medical and physician assistant students at public institutions.

Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026, with an effective date of July 1, 2025, to address a projected shortfall of 18,000 physicians in Florida by 2035.