Every year, about 220,000 babies are born in Florida. For new parents, each tiny milestone—first smiles, first steps—brings excitement for the future. Among those hopes and dreams, a college education often ranks high. But without early planning, the rising cost of higher education can turn that dream into a financial burden.
It may seem far off when parents are busy changing diapers and adjusting to sleepless nights, but starting to save early for college is one of the best financial decisions a family can make. The sooner families begin, the less they have to worry about future college costs—and the more financial freedom they can enjoy down the road.
That’s the exact idea behind the Florida Prepaid College Program. Our mission is simple: help Florida families lock in today’s tuition and dormitory plan prices and secure their child’s future—without the stress of inflation. Florida Prepaid is the largest and longest-running prepaid tuition program in the nation, and it’s exclusively available to Florida families.
Right now, during our annual Open Enrollment window through April 30, we’re offering historic savings for babies. Families who enroll in a 1-Year University Plan for a newborn or infant can save up to $850, and those who purchase four years will save even more. Prepaid Plan prices are the lowest in over a decade—starting at just $29 per month. That’s about the cost of a box of diapers!
We created this special pricing for babies because we know that early savings matter—not just financially, but emotionally. Parents who start saving early gain peace of mind, knowing they are securing their child’s future with a plan they can control and afford. In an unpredictable economy, this is one investment families can count on.
One of the biggest concerns parents have when saving for college is flexibility—and rightfully so. A newborn today may not follow the traditional four-year university path in 18 years. That’s why Florida Prepaid Plans are built to adapt.
The 1-Year University Plan covers 30 credit hours at one of Florida’s 12 state universities—or about 45 credit hours at a state college. But what if your child chooses a different path? No problem. The plan’s value can also be applied toward Florida’s growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which have seen 60% growth since 2017, according to the Florida Department of Education. Today, more than 480,000 students are enrolled in 9,276 CTE programs statewide.
Florida Prepaid Plans are designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring your savings adapt to your child’s unique journey. Whether they choose a traditional four-year university, a state college, or a trade and technical school, the plan’s value follows them. Even better, the funds can be applied to schools nationwide—both public and private. And if circumstances change, no problem—Prepaid Plans can be transferred to another child or fully refunded, giving families peace of mind and financial security.
The cost of higher education isn’t going down, but the good news is—families can control how they save for it. Now is the time to take advantage of these historic savings and set your child up for success.
With Florida Prepaid, securing your child’s future can be as simple and affordable as buying a box of diapers. Don’t wait—enroll by April 30 and start saving today.
John D. Rood
Chairman, Florida Prepaid College Board
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