1. (1) From the funds available, the Department shall make payments as follows:

   1. (a) 25% of an eligible applicant’s principal loan amount at the time of application for the program.

      1. For recertifications, the 25% calculation will be based on the principal loan amount for the application calendar year in which the applicant originally applied and were deemed eligible to receive an award.

      2. For new applications, or applicants that did not receive an award in the most recent application calendar year, the 25% calculation will be based on the principal loan amount submitted for the current application calendar year.

   2. (b) In no event will the award amount exceed, over the course of a 4-year period:

      1. $150,000 for physicians;

      2. $90,000 for advanced practice registered nurses registered to engage in autonomous practice;

      3. $75,000 for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants;

      4. $75,000 for mental health professionals;

      5. $45,000 for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses; or

      6. The principal balance owed by the applicant.

2. (2) If award funding is returned to the Department for any reason, the Department will contact the awardee to determine if the awardee currently holds a qualified loan that the funds can be redistributed towards. If the awardee no longer holds a qualified loan, then the returned funds will be reallocated to the subsequent award cycle budget.

Rulemaking Authority 381.402 FS. Law Implemented 381.402 FS. History–New 4-20-23, Amended 5-21-25, 6-8-26.