05/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/29/2026 15:32
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida families now have more flexibility to start saving for college, thanks to two new initiatives announced today by the Florida Prepaid College Board in recognition of National 529 Day.
For the first time in its more than 35-year history, Florida's Prepaid 529 Plans are now available for enrollment year-round, removing the traditional open enrollment window and allowing families to start saving when they are ready. Prepaid Plans are a specialized type of 529 plan, guaranteed by the State of Florida, that allow families to lock in future higher education tuition and dormitory coverage at today's plan prices - avoiding inflation.
In addition, to celebrate 529 day, babies born in Florida on May 29, 2026, will receive a $529 scholarship in a Florida Investment 529 Plan. The Florida Investment 529 Plan is also celebrating a milestone - more than 200,000 Florida families have saved more than $2 billion.
"National 529 Day is a reminder that saving for education doesn't have to be complicated or delayed," said John Rood, Chairman of the Florida Prepaid College Board. "By making enrollment available year-round and seeding college savings for Florida's newest residents, we're making it easier for families to take that first step toward their child's future."
Florida's Prepaid 529 Plans allow families to lock in future college tuition and fee coverage at today's plan prices, offering protection from rising education costs. Prepaid Plans are guaranteed by the State of Florida. Both Prepaid and Investment Plans are tax-advantaged under federal law.
While Florida's Investment Plan has always been available year-round, this marks the first time families can enroll in Prepaid Plans outside a limited enrollment period. Both plans are tax-advantaged 529 plans.
"Saving for college works best when families can start early and act when it makes sense for their lives," said Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of the Florida Prepaid College Board. "By offering enrollment year-round, we're removing unnecessary barriers. And by seeding savings for babies born on 529 Day, we're showing families from the very beginning that even a modest amount, planted early, can grow into something meaningful over time."
Prepaid Plans offer flexible coverage options and can be purchased in one-year increments to ensure affordability and budget flexibility. Plans start at just $29/month, and once a family locks in their price, their payments will never go up. Current pricing is available through June 30, 2026.
Families can learn more about Florida 529 Plans at MyFloridaPrepaid.com.
Families with a baby born in Florida on May 29, 2026, should visit MyFloridaPrepaid.com/May-529-Day and open their new account by June 30, 2026.
About the Florida Prepaid College Board
The Florida Prepaid College Board manages Florida Prepaid 529 Plans (also known as the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida Investment 529 Plan (formerly known as the Florida 529 Savings Plan). Both are tax-favored 529 college savings plans authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1987, the Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the Florida Legislature and the commitment and dedication of Mr. Stanley G. Tate to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children's future college education. The first Florida Prepaid College Plans were sold in 1988 and were augmented with the addition of the Florida 529 Savings Plan (now called the Investment 529 Plan) in 2002. The Board also oversees two direct-support organizations - The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida ABLE, Inc., d/b/a ABLE United. Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest-running, and most successful prepaid plan in the nation, with more than 2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans purchased and more than $15 billion in assets. The Investment 529 Plan has more than 200,000 active accounts, with a market value of more than $2 billion.