Florida homeschooling and scholarship funds: what you need to know
If you are homeschooling in Florida, you already know the freedom and responsibility that come with directing your child's education. Florida also offers multiple scholarship programs that can provide meaningful education funds to support that learning each year, but accessing those funds comes with tradeoffs worth understanding before you apply.
The key one: using Florida scholarship funds means stepping into a different legal category. Students in the Personalized Education Program (PEP) are not classified as traditional home education students under Florida law. The rules, reporting requirements, and flexibility look different from what traditional homeschoolers experience.
This guide walks through the differences between PEP and traditional homeschooling, what scholarship funds can be used for, and how to find approved vendors for the 2026-27 school year.
What is the Personalized Education Program (PEP)?
PEP is a scholarship track under Florida's education savings account system, administered by Step Up for Students. It allows families to direct scholarship funds toward customized learning without enrolling in a public or private school and without filing as a home education student.
Who can apply for PEP?
All K-12 Florida students who are not enrolled full-time in public or private school and are not registered as traditional home education students are eligible. There are no income restrictions, though priority may be given based on income as a percentage of the federal poverty level if demand exceeds capacity. Hybrid arrangements, where families use PEP funds alongside private providers or part-time programs, are allowed as long as they use approved vendors.
What scholarship funds can be used for
Families can typically use funds for a broad range of approved educational expenses, including:
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Online courses and platforms
- Tutoring by certified or approved providers
- Standardized testing and evaluations
- Educational software and select technology
- Certain furniture for homeschool use (limits apply)
- Some approved travel expenses
Always confirm current eligible expenses with your Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO), since the approved list can change year to year.
Understanding PEP vs. traditional homeschooling
PEP
- Scholarship funds provided
- Annual Student Learning Plan required
- Annual standardized testing required
- Reporting to your SFO
Traditional homeschooling
- No public funding
- Maximum flexibility
- File with your county superintendent
- Annual assessment (test, portfolio, or evaluation)
Comparing PEP, FES-UA, and FES-EO
PEP
PEP is open to all Florida K-12 students regardless of disability status. Best for families who want financial support for parent-directed learning without a qualifying diagnosis requirement.
FES-UA
FES-UA (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities) is for students with diagnosed disabilities, with funding amounts based on the level of special education services the student would otherwise receive. Covers therapies, specialized instruction, and learning accommodations alongside educational content.
FES-EO
FES-EO (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options) supports private school tuition and related education expenses.
Families must choose one scholarship program per child; funds cannot be combined across programs for the same student.
Step-by-step: how to apply and set up your account
- 1
Apply through an SFO (Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation). Check current application windows before starting.
- 2
Gather required documents: Florida residency proof, your child's birth certificate, prior school records if applicable, and optional income documentation for priority consideration.
- 3
Create and submit a Student Learning Plan (SLP) outlining subject areas, learning goals, and how funds will be used. It must be approved by your SFO and updated annually.
- 4
Complete annual evaluations, which are required for all PEP students. Options include standardized testing or portfolio review if permitted by your SFO.
How to find approved vendors
Once your account is funded, the fastest way to find vetted, approved vendors across curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and enrichment is through a directory built specifically for Florida scholarship families. Florida Education Vendors lets you search and filter approved providers by category, location, and service type, so you are not starting from a blank spreadsheet or a scholarship organization's raw vendor list.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply for PEP?+
All K-12 Florida students who are not enrolled full-time in public or private school and who are not registered as traditional homeschoolers are eligible.
Can I use scholarship funds for any type of curriculum?+
Yes, families have flexibility to choose instructional materials that align with their values and educational goals, within their SFO's approved expense guidelines.
What are the reporting and evaluation requirements?+
PEP students are generally required to take standardized testing annually and maintain a Student Learning Plan, unless a diagnosed disability changes those requirements. Your SFO will guide you through specifics for your family.
Can I switch scholarship programs mid-year?+
Once funded, a family generally cannot switch scholarship programs mid-year and must wait until the following school year.
What is a Student Learning Plan (SLP)?+
The SLP is a required outline of your student's educational goals and subject areas for the school year, ensuring funds are applied toward appropriate academic categories. It must be submitted annually and kept up to date.