The purpose of the Florida College System is to maximize open access for students, respond to community needs for postsecondary academic education and career degree education, and provide associate and baccalaureate degrees that will best meet the state's employment needs. Florida colleges are under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education and governed locally by district boards of trustees.

The State Board of Education is the chief implementing and coordinating body of the state's public colleges. The State Board of Education has the authority to adopt rule and to implement provisions of law for the improvement of the state system of public education, except for the State University System, and consists of seven members appointed by the governor. 

Each institution within the Florida College System is governed by a local board of trustees, pursuant to ss. 1001.60(3) and 1001.64, Florida Statutes. Boards of trustees are comprised of five to nine members depending on the number of school board districts in the institution's district and other criteria outlined in s. 1001.61, Florida Statues. Members of Boards of trustees are appointed by the governor.

The system's activities include the following.

• Twenty-eight colleges operate throughout the state, offering a range of low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities.
• Associate in Arts (AA) degrees consist of lower division college credit courses in arts or general instruction that prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a Florida public college or university. 
• Associate in Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees consist of lower division college credit courses in career or technical instruction that prepare students for entry into employment in high-demand, fast-growing occupations. Some programs also offer transfer options into related baccalaureate degree programs after completion of the AS or AAS degree.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees prepare students to meet local and regional workforce needs in a wide range of disciplines, including nursing, education, business, and information technology.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials prepare students for entry into employment. Florida College System institutions offer a variety of certificate programs that lead to an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC), Applied Technology Diploma (ATD), Career Certificate, Certificate of Professional Preparation (CPP), or a College Credit Certificate (CCC).

In partnership with school districts and other entities such as private schools, system institutions offer the following.

• Early College Programs allow high school students to enroll full time in postsecondary courses toward an associate degree.
• Dual Enrollment Programs allow high school students to enroll in a course and receive both high school and college credit.

The funding information listed below is provided by Transparency Florida. Additional funding information can be obtained on the State of Florida Fiscal Portal or by contacting the system. Florida colleges receive funding from state appropriations, student tuition and fees, and federal funds.

Information on the system's performance may be found on its course enrollment and graduation rate interactive maps.

OPPAGA Reports and Presentations
A complete list of OPPAGA reports and presentations is available on our website.

Other Reports
Florida College System, Policy Reports and Data
Florida Department of Education, Office of Articulation Reports 
Florida Department of Education, Know Your Data Advanced Reports
Economic Security Report, Florida Department of Commerce, 2025
A complete list of Florida Auditor General reports is available on its website.

Websites of Interest
Association of Florida Colleges
FloridaShines

Chapters 1001, Part III; 1004, Parts III and IV; 1006, Part II; 1007; 1009; and ss. 1008.45 and 1008.47, Florida Statutes

Florida College System Contact Website
Florida College System
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6533
(850) 245-0505
Website