How does a Florida 529 Savings Plan work?
Create your own path to save for future college costs – and now K-12 education expenses too – with a Florida 529 Savings Plan. Contribute what you can, when you can to meet your savings goals.
What
A 529 Savings Plan is an investment account that provides a flexible and tax-free way to save for college and / or K-12 expenses. Investment earnings are not taxed as long as they are used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
How
Open your account for free. Choose your investment options. And start saving. It’s that simple. You, as the account owner, maintain control of the funds and can withdraw them as needed. Open to Florida residents only. Investment returns will vary based on investment performance.
Why
More flexibility and control – this is savings your way. Choose a pre-designed portfolio or customize your investment options. Contribute what you can when you can. With extremely low fees and earnings that grow tax-free – your money works harder for you!
Use Our Savings Planning Tool
See how your savings and investments can grow with a Florida 529 Savings Plan.
A Flexible Way to Save for College
You can contribute as much or as little as you want to your Florida 529 Savings Plan. It’s easy to set up monthly contributions and change them at any time.You can also invite family and friends to contribute toward your college savings goals with our eGift portal.
Where can Savings Plans be used?
Florida 529 Savings Plans can be used at most higher education institutions nationwide, as well as for qualified K-12 education expenses.
What if my child receives a scholarship?
Great! You can use your Savings Plan to cover other college costs like housing, books, supplies or graduate school.
How long can a Savings Plan be used?
There is no set time period for using your Florida 529 Savings Plan. Also, funds may be transferred to another member of the student’s family.
What if my child doesn’t go to college?
You can close the Plan and withdraw the remaining balance or the Plan can be transferred to another family member.
What if we move out of state?
Your Plan travels with you. The Florida 529 Savings Plan can be used at most colleges, universities, technical and trade schools and more.
What if I already have a Prepaid Plan?
That’s okay. You can use a 529 Savings Plan to cover costs not covered by your Prepaid Plan, like books and supplies or housing if you did not purchase a Prepaid Dormitory Plan.
What types of expenses can my Savings Plan cover?
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and meal plans
- Books and supplies
- Computers and equipment
Can I use funds for K-12 education?
Yes. Qualified expenses now include tuition and mandatory fees associated with enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school, up to $10,000 annually.
How Much Do Most Families Save?
Studies show that many families expect to pay about 40% out of pocket, with scholarships, grants and loans covering the remaining amount. In 2018-2019, the national average college cost for one year at a public university (including tuition, fees, room and board) was $21,370. Learn more about how much you could save for college with our Savings Planning Tool.
Automatic Monthly Deposits Add Up
Before You Enroll
It only takes about 15 minutes to start saving for college with a Florida 529 Savings Plan. Make sure to have the following items handy when you enroll:
- Account owner (must be over 18) address, birthdate and SSN
- The child or his/her parent or legal guardian must have been a Florida resident for the past 12 months.
- Bank account routing information for automatic deposits
- Beneficiary address, birthdate and SSN
Additional questions about the Florida 529 Savings Plan? View our FAQs.