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.
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
For most students today it is not a choice between two options. It is both: a course and an exam.
Part 1. An approved course
- Commonly POS 2041, AMH 2020 or AMH 2010
- Usually a grade of C or higher
- Takes a full term
- Approved courses vary by institution
Part 2. A passing assessment
- The FCLE, at sixty percent or better
- Eighty questions, four competencies
- No statewide cap on retakes
- Pass in high school → it counts for college
The one real shortcut: at many institutions an AP or CLEP score satisfies both parts at once. AP Government and Politics: United States with a 3, AP United States History with a 4, or CLEP American Government with a 50. If you already have one of those, you may be finished. Confirm with your advisor.
If you started earlier, your rule is different. Students who first enrolled before the 2021–22 catalog year generally satisfied this with a course or an assessment. The both-parts rule applies from the 2021–22 catalog year for an A.A. or bachelor's degree, and from 2022–23 for an A.S. or A.A.S. Your catalog year decides which rule is yours.
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.
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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?
For most students now it is both, not either: an approved civic literacy course and a passing assessment score. The Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) is the usual assessment, at sixty percent. An AP or CLEP score can satisfy both parts at once at many institutions. Students who enrolled before the 2021-22 catalog year generally had a course or assessment option. Confirm with your advisor.
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.
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