Florida residents face a tough reality if convicted of drug charges—especially drug trafficking charges, thanks to the state’s stringent drug laws. The costs extend beyond legal penalties and court fees.
If you’re a student, it’s normal to worry if a drug conviction means the end of your chance to receive financial aid.
How drug convictions affect federal student financial aid
The good news? Since 2021, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no longer asks students if they have any drug convictions. Your past drug charges will no longer automatically exclude you or create unnecessary bias.
But there are still some important exceptions:
- If you got convicted while already receiving aid, you might lose it temporarily
- Private scholarships and university-specific aid might still have rules against criminal records
- State-level financial aid programs might have different rules than federal ones
These changes are still a huge improvement from past years. Now, you still have a chance to receive federal financial aid like Pell Grants, work-study jobs or federal student loans.
Other ways convictions can impact your daily life
A drug conviction affects more than just your chance for grants and tuition assistance. In Florida, you might face problems with:
- Housing: Many landlords check your background and may not rent to you if they see drug charges.
- Driving: Florida courts can take away your driver’s license for drug convictions, even if you weren’t driving when arrested.
- Career licenses: Many jobs that require state licenses won’t accept people with drug convictions on their records.
These everyday consequences often create more long-term problems than the original court penalties themselves.
Fighting for your future
While getting financial aid has become easier despite drug convictions, these charges still create real problems in your daily life. Housing rejections, job denials and license suspensions can follow you for years.
Working with an experienced Florida defense attorney gives you a better chance to fight the charges and avoid convictions. Every case is different, but having someone who understands the law can help protect your rights and future opportunities.
