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New Institution Application

Applications should be emailed to cieinfo@fldoe.org or mailed to:

Commission for Independent Education
ATTN: Licensure Department
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400

Please note the following when sending applications by e-mail:

  • Keep your email (with all attachments) under 30 MB, or it may be rejected without warning.
  • If you need to send multiple emails because of file size, label them clearly (for example, “Email 1 of 2”).
  • The CIEInfo mailbox sends automatic replies to confirm receipt of an e-mail. If you don’t receive an auto reply, your email likely has not been received by the Commission.

To obtain an initial license to operate in the State of Florida for a postsecondary institution planning to offer degrees, diplomas, or certificate programs, a person must first go through the Commission’s license application process. The process normally takes between 4 and 6 months and involves:

  1. Submitting a completed application package with all required documentation
  2. Submitting all required fees
  3. Review by staff within 30 days of receipt
  4. Written notification by Licensure Staff of any omissions/deficiencies found in your application package
  5. Applicant response to written notification in a timely and complete manner
  6. Staff finalizing application for full Commission review
  7. Presentation to the Commission for Independent Education for consideration of your application (It is strongly recommended that a representative be in attendance to discuss any concerns.)
  8. Commission grants approval or denial of the application

NOTE: An institution may not advertise, recruit students, accept any fees or tuition monies, or hold classes until the printed Provisional License is received.

Below are the forms required to apply as a new school. Please complete each form in entirety. Be sure to follow the instructions listed on the application and fee forms.

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