OPPAGA Government Program Summary

What is the purpose of the system?

The purpose of the Florida College System is to respond to community needs for postsecondary academic and career education and provide associate and bachelor degrees that will best meet the state's employment needs.

How is the system governed?

The Florida College System is separate from the 12 institutions of the State University System of Florida and is governed by the State Board of Education. Each institution within the Florida College System is governed by its own board of trustees as provided in s. 1001.64, Florida Statutes.

What activities are performed by the system?

The system's activities include the following.

Twenty-eight institutions operate throughout the state, offering a range of public postsecondary educational opportunities.
Associate in Arts (AA) degrees ready students for transfer as juniors to a bachelor's degree program at a Florida public college or university.
Associate in Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees provide career and technical instruction and prepare students for direct entry into employment. The AS degree is a transfer degree and a basis for admission to a related bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees ready students in a wide range of disciplines to meet local and regional workforce needs and demands. Some students with an AS or AAS degree can transfer credits toward a BS or BAS program, facilitating a seamless transition to a bachelor's degree.
Career & 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 public school districts, system institutions offer the following.

Early College Programs offer options for public school students to enroll full time in postsecondary courses toward an associate degree.
Dual Enrollment allows high school students to enroll in a course and receive both high school and college credit.

How are these activities funded?

The funding information listed below is provided by Transparency Florida. Please contact the system for more information on its funding. Additional information about system funding and activities is available on the State of Florida Fiscal Portal.

Florida colleges receive funding from state appropriations, student tuition and fees, and federal funds.

Fiscal Year: 2024-25

Title	Fund	Dollars	Positions
FLORIDA COLLEGES, DIVISION OF
	PROGRAM: FLORIDA COLLEGES	1,753,710,954	.00
TOTAL		1,753,710,954	.00

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Where can I find information on the system's performance?

Performance measures and standards for the system may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

Additional Resources

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

Other Reports
Florida College System, Florida College System Policy Reports and Data
Florida Department of Education, Office of Articulation Reports, Resources, and Publications
Florida Department of Education, PK-12 and Florida College System Advanced Reports
Economic Security Report 2022, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, 2023
A complete list of Florida Auditor General reports is available on its website.

Websites of Interest
Association of Florida Colleges
FloridaShines

Applicable Statutes

Chapters 1001, 1004, 1006, 1007, 1008, and 1009, Florida Statutes

System Contact Information

Florida College System Contact Website
Florida College System
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
(850) 245-0407
Website