Florida Prepaid Plan Expenses and What You Need to Know

Florida Prepaid Plan expenses can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

The Florida Prepaid Plan covers tuition and fees for up to 10 semesters at a participating Florida public college or university, with some plans covering up to 14 semesters.

You can expect to pay a monthly premium of around $50 to $150 per child, depending on the plan you choose.

The plan is designed to help families save for their child's education, with the goal of making college more affordable and accessible.

Florida Prepaid College Plans cover a range of expenses, but the specifics can vary depending on your plan. If your contract year is 2011 or later, your plan includes the cost of mandatory fees, known as Local Fees, which are charged by 28 Florida Colleges and 12 State Universities.

There are some exceptions, however. If you purchased a 2 + 2 Tuition Plan or a 4-Year University Tuition Plan during the 2006-2007 Open Enrollment Period or earlier, you're exempt from the Tuition Differential Fee. But you'll still be responsible for Local Fees unless you have a Local Fee Plan.

Dental care is not included in most health plans, but some may offer optional coverage for a separate fee.

You'll need to pay out-of-pocket for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses unless you have a vision plan.

Some plans may offer additional coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care.

You'll need to pay a copayment or coinsurance for prescription medication, unless you have a plan that covers 100% of the cost.

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Florida Prepaid College Plans can be a lifesaver for families, and one of the biggest benefits is that they cover mandatory fees, including Local Fees, which all 28 Florida Colleges and 12 State Universities charge.

If you have a plan with a contract year of 2011 or later, your fees are covered, but if your plan was purchased before 2011, you'll need to check your account to see what's included.

You'll also be happy to know that Florida Prepaid College Plans can help you avoid the Tuition Differential Fee, which is charged by the 12 State Universities.

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However, if you have a 2 + 2 Tuition Plan or a 4-Year University Tuition Plan that was purchased during the 2006-2007 Open Enrollment Period or earlier, you won't be responsible for the Tuition Differential Fee, but you will still need to pay Local Fees unless you have a Local Fee Plan.

The Florida Prepaid Plan offers several key features that make it a great option for college-bound students. You can use your plan at a Florida College or State University, and the amount covered can also be applied to other schools nationwide.

One of the benefits of the plan is that if you've earned a scholarship, like Bright Futures, the amount covered by the plan can be refunded to the Account Owner or used to pay for tuition and fees not covered by the scholarship. This can be a huge help in covering remaining costs.

You can use your plan even if you've moved out of Florida - you're still eligible for in-state tuition and fees at a Florida College or State University while using a plan. This makes it a great option for students who may have moved away but still want to attend a Florida school.

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Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

You can use your Prepaid Plan to cover tuition and fees at a Florida College or State University, and the amount covered can also be applied to other schools nationwide.

If you've earned a scholarship, like Bright Futures, the amount covered by the Prepaid Plan can be refunded to the Account Owner or used to pay for tuition and fees not covered by the scholarship.

You'll still be eligible for in-state tuition and fees at a Florida College or State University even if you've moved out of Florida.

You have 10 years from the projected enrollment year selected on the original application to use your Prepaid Plan.

Here are some key things to keep in mind about using your Prepaid Plan for tuition and fees:

When choosing a prepaid plan, room and board costs can add up quickly.

Some prepaid plans include a set amount of data, voice minutes, and text messages, which can help you stay within your budget.

Data limits vary by plan, with some offering 1GB, 5GB, or even 10GB of data per month.

Voice minutes are also limited, with some plans offering 500 minutes, 1,000 minutes, or unlimited minutes per month.

Text messages are often unlimited, but some plans may limit them to a certain number per month, such as 500 or 1,000.

You'll also need to consider the cost of international roaming, which can range from $0.20 to $2.00 per minute, depending on the plan and location.

Some prepaid plans offer add-ons for additional data, voice minutes, or text messages, which can be purchased in increments of 1GB, 100 minutes, or 100 texts.

Optional fees can be a significant factor in your prepaid plan expenses. Some prepaid plans charge extra for features like international coverage, which can range from $5 to $20 per month.

International coverage is typically not included in the base plan price. For example, the "Global" plan costs an additional $10 per month for international coverage.

Some prepaid plans also charge extra for features like data rollover, which allows you to carry over unused data to the next month. This feature can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 per month.

Data rollover can be a useful feature for heavy data users who want to avoid running out of data. If you use a lot of data, it's worth considering a plan that includes data rollover.

Additional features like Wi-Fi hotspot access or streaming perks may also come with an extra fee. These fees can range from $5 to $15 per month, depending on the plan and provider.

It's essential to review the fees associated with your prepaid plan to avoid any unexpected charges. By understanding the optional fees, you can make informed decisions about your plan and budget.

If you're looking to customize your prepaid plan, you have several options to consider.

Data rollover allows you to roll over unused data to the next month, giving you more flexibility with your plan.

International coverage is available on some prepaid plans, with rates varying depending on the destination.

Add-ons like data packs and international calling credits can be purchased separately to supplement your plan.

Some prepaid plans offer a free trial period, allowing you to test out the service before committing to a paid plan.

Data boosters can be added to increase your data allowance for a set period.