Florida’s main private-school scholarships now work like education savings accounts, or ESAs. These accounts place state scholarship dollars in a student’s name and let families direct the money toward tuition and other approved educational expenses over the course of the school year.

Florida’s Main K–12 Scholarship

Florida’s biggest ESA-style private-school scholarship is the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES‑EO). It works alongside the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship. Both programs give eligible K–12 students funds in an account that can pay for private-school tuition and other approved educational costs. Nonprofit groups called Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs)—mainly Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation—manage applications and payments. The Florida Department of Education sets the rules but does not handle applications or payments.​

For 2024–25, the average FES‑EO award was about $8,200, although the exact amount depends on the student’s grade level and county of residence. Each payment depends on when the family accepts the award and approves enrollment. Tuition and required school fees must be paid first, and if any funds remain, families may use them for other approved educational expenses. For 2026–27, state law and SFO updates indicate that FES‑EO and FTC will keep the same basic structure, with updated award charts released closer to that school year.​

How Florida Treats Private Schools

Florida does not sort private schools into formal categories. Every K–12 private school must register with the Florida Department of Education and fill out a yearly survey to be listed in the state’s Directory of Private Schools. This directory does not mean the state approves or accredits the school; it shows that the school is operating, meets basic health and safety requirements, and has completed required background checks. To receive FES‑EO or FTC funds, a school must also be approved by an SFO such as Step Up For Students or AAA.​

How the Scholarship Calendar Works

Florida does not have one statewide parent portal. Each Scholarship Funding Organization sets its own dates for applications and renewals. Step Up For Students usually lets renewal families apply first. Some renewal windows run from February 1 through November 15, and applications submitted after certain spring deadlines may lose renewal priority and be treated like new applications. FTC and FES‑EO follow similar patterns, although exact dates can change each year.​

After renewal families and other priority groups are processed, new students can be considered if funding is still available. SFOs look at applications in the order they are completed, so applying early and turning in every document clearly and on time gives families the best chance. Scholarships are paid out 

four times each year, and SFOs post the exact funding dates in their handbooks.​

For 2026–27, Step Up has announced that applications will open in early 2026. Renewal windows are expected to start around February 1, with priority for renewals through part of the spring, and new students will be considered afterward as long as funds remain.​

Who Is Eligible in Florida

To receive FES‑EO or FTC, a student must live in Florida, be eligible to attend public school in grades K–12, and not be enrolled full time in a public school. Most Florida students can now apply, but some groups are placed first when funds are limited. Priority goes to:​

• Current scholarship students

• Their siblings

• Lower-income families

• Children in foster or out-of-home care

• Certain military families​

Families must also show that the student is a U.S. citizen or is lawfully present, using documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or approved immigration papers. These rules are expected to remain similar for the 2026–27 school year.​

How Families Apply

Families apply through Step Up For Students or AAA, not through the Florida Department of Education. Most parents use Step Up’s EMA system or AAA’s online portal to create an account, enter information, and upload documents. These usually include:​

• Proof of the student’s identity and age (birth certificate or passport)

• Proof of Florida residency (driver’s license, state ID, utility bill, lease, or mortgage)

• Income documents if the family wants income-based priority (tax return, W‑2, or a benefits letter)​

After You Apply

Parents can check their application status in the EMA system or SFO portal. It will show whether the application is complete, missing documents, awarded, or waitlisted. SFOs review only complete applications, so missing or unclear documents can delay the process.​

If a student qualifies and funds are available, the SFO awards a scholarship. Families choosing a private school select the school in the portal and approve tuition payments. Families using the Personalized Education Program (PEP) must also complete a Student Learning Plan. Some students may be placed on a waitlist and will receive a spot only if additional funds become available.​

When Scholarships End

A scholarship stays active only if a student follows the rules. Students must live in Florida, be eligible for public school, and attend a participating private school or meet all PEP requirements. If a student moves out of state, returns to full‑time public school, graduates, or leaves the program, the account closes and any remaining funds stay in the system. Scholarships can also stop if a family provides false information, misses required documents, or spends funds on items that are not allowed. Families should contact the Florida Department of Education or their SFO if they have questions about eligibility, spending, or renewal.