The Civic Literacy Requirement, Explained Simply.
If you attend a Florida public college or university, the state requires you to demonstrate civic literacy to graduate. Here's exactly what that means, who it applies to, and the fastest way to satisfy it.
★★★★★ Plain-English answers for students & parents · Confidence is built, not born.
✔ Applies to students entering a Florida public college/university in 2018–19 or later
✔ Satisfy it by passing the FCLE or completing an approved civics course
✔ Pass it in high school and it counts for college
What Is the Civic Literacy Requirement?
In Florida, every student who first entered a Florida College System or State University System institution in 2018–19 or later is required to demonstrate competency in civic literacy in order to graduate.
It's a graduation requirement — not a suggestion. You don't get your degree until it's satisfied. The good news: there's more than one way to meet it, and the most common path is straightforward.
For high school students, 2021 legislation added the FCLE to U.S. Government courses. Passing in high school is encouraged but not state-mandated to earn your diploma — but if you do pass, it carries over to satisfy the college requirement.
Who Has to Meet the Requirement
College Students (2018–19+)
If you first enrolled at a Florida public college or university in 2018–19 or after, you must demonstrate civic literacy to graduate. No degree until it's done.
High School Students
You'll take the FCLE in your U.S. Government course. Passing isn't required for your diploma — but pass now and it satisfies the college requirement later.
Transfer Students
Transferred to Florida from another state? If you haven't already satisfied an equivalent requirement, you'll need to meet Florida's — usually by passing the FCLE.
Applies across the Florida College System and State University System — including UF, FSU, UCF, USF, FIU, FAU, FGCU, UNF, Miami Dade College, Valencia College, Broward College, HCC, and SPC. See the full list in our FCLE Guide.
How to Satisfy the Requirement
There are two main paths. For most students, passing the FCLE is the fastest and most flexible.
Option 1 — Pass the FCLE
- The most common and most flexible path
- Take it in high school or college
- No statewide cap on retakes
- Prep is fast when you learn the question patterns
- Pass in high school → it counts for college
Option 2 — Approved Civics Course
- Complete a state-approved civic literacy course
- Takes a full term to finish
- Adds to your course load and schedule
- Approved options can vary by institution
Some schools may accept additional approved alternatives. Always confirm what your specific institution accepts.
Check the Official Sources
Civic literacy policies can change. For the most up-to-date rules — including which exams and courses are approved at your school — confirm with your academic advisor and the official sources:
• Florida DOE — official FCLE assessment page
• Florida DOE — FCLE K-12 FAQ (PDF)
• Florida Board of Governors (State University System)
• Your institution's registrar or academic catalog
This page is a plain-English overview, not legal or academic advice. Always verify current requirements with your institution.
Satisfy It by Passing the FCLE — Guaranteed
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Civic Literacy Requirement FAQs
Who has to meet the Florida civic literacy requirement?
Students who first entered a Florida College System or State University System institution in 2018–19 or later must demonstrate civic literacy competency to graduate.
How do I satisfy the requirement?
Two main ways: pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE), or complete a state-approved civic literacy course. The FCLE is the most common and most flexible path. Some schools may accept additional approved alternatives — confirm with your institution.
Do all Florida public colleges and universities require it?
Yes — it applies across the Florida College System and the State University System. If your school is public, you'll need to satisfy the requirement before you graduate.
If I pass the FCLE in high school, does it count for college?
Currently, yes. Florida recognizes a high school FCLE pass toward the college civic literacy requirement. Passing isn't required to earn your high school diploma, but it's a smart head start.
Can I use AP or another course instead?
You can satisfy the requirement with an approved civics course, and approved options can vary by institution. Always check what your specific school accepts — many students simply take and pass the FCLE.
What happens if I don't satisfy it?
You won't be able to graduate until it's met. You can retake the FCLE (no statewide cap), but each attempt costs time — which is why passing once, the right way, is the goal.
Satisfy It the Easy Way — Pass the FCLE.
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