Section 6A-14.0306 - Death Benefits for Survivors of First Responders and Military Members(1) Waiver. Each Florida College System institution's board of trustees, each district school board with a career center authorized under Section 1001.44, F.S., and each board of directors for a charter technical career center authorized under Section 1002.34, F.S., shall adopt and implement policies or procedures to ensure that the educational expenses of an eligible child or spouse of the following individuals are waived while obtaining an undergraduate education: (a) A deceased law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer as provided in Sections 112.19 and 112.1912, F.S.;(b) A deceased firefighter as provided in Sections 112.191 and 112.1912, F.S.;(c) A deceased emergency medical technician or paramedic as provided in Sections 112.1911 and 112.1912, F.S.;(d) A deceased active duty United States Armed Forces member as provided in Section 295.061, F.S.; and(e) A deceased Florida National Guard member as provided in Sections 250.34, 112.19, and 112.1912, F.S.(2) Waived Educational Expenses. The amount waived by the institution must be equal to the cost of tuition, matriculation and registration fees for a total of 120 credit hours or the equivalent of 3, 600 clock hours.(3) Eligibility. (a) Each institution must determine and verify student eligibility, including any necessary documentation to prove marriage, kinship, employment or military status, death, and death in the line of duty. Evidence of eligibility may include: 1. Birth and marriage certificates;2. Notarized statement from the deceased's employer; military documentation, such as AF Form 348 and DD Form 261; documentation showing receipt of death benefits, including but not limited to, insurance, workers' compensation, and the Florida Retirement System;3. Death certificate; and4. Other documentation set forth in the institution's policies and procedures.(b) The child or spouse may attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. The benefits provided to a child under this rule shall continue until the child's 25th birthday. The benefits provided to a spouse under this rule must commence within five (5) years after the death occurs and entitlement thereto shall continue until the 10th anniversary of that death.(c) Upon failure of any child or spouse who receives a waiver in accordance with this rule to comply with the ordinary and minimum requirements regarding discipline and scholarship of the institution attended, such waiver must be withdrawn from the child or spouse and no further moneys may be expended for the child's or spouse's benefit so long as such failure or delinquency continues.(d) Only a student in good standing in his or her respective institution may receive the benefits provided in this rule.(e) A child or spouse receiving benefits under this rule must be enrolled according to the customary rules and requirements of the institution attended.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 6A-14.0306
Rulemaking Authority 112.19(5), 112.191(5), 112.1912(2), 295.061(8) FS. Law Implemented 112.19, 112.191, 112.1912, 295.061 FS.
Adopted by Florida Register Volume 46, Number 151, August 4, 2020 effective 8/18/2020.