published: Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Deadline arrives to lock in current Florida Prepaid prices

Special to the News-Sun

TALLAHASSEE - Families have less than one week to purchase a Florida Prepaid College Plan at current plan prices. Enrolling children by the Jan. 31 deadline is easy to do online at myfloridaprepaid.com.">myfloridaprepaid.com.

"With college costs rising, the savings option of a Florida Prepaid Plan gives families on any budget an opportunity to safely save for their child's college education with peace of mind," said chairman Duane Ottenstroer of the Florida Prepaid College Board. "Florida Prepaid Plans open doors for a brighter future, allowing students to realize their dreams of higher education."

Florida Prepaid Plans allow families to lock in today's plan prices and prepay the cost of college tuition and most required fees at Florida's 12 universities and 28 colleges. Plan values may also be transferred to most private and out-of-state colleges. What you pay now is guaranteed, no matter how much college costs increase in the future. With four saving options and a variety of payment options available, families have the flexibility to tailor their college savings strategy to fit their budget and higher education savings needs. These tax-free plans are financially guaranteed by the State of Florida, which means families do not have to worry about losing their investment. If the beneficiary decides not to attend college, the plan may be transferred to another member of the family. Or, families can receive a full refund at any time.

The application and fee are due by the Thursday deadline. The first plan payment is not due until April 20. Families can visit myfloridaprepaid.com or call 1-800-552-GRAD (4723) to order an Enrollment Kit in English or Spanish and speak to a customer service representative.