Skip to content

Florida Homeschool Funding

← Back to map
Last updated: October 8, 2025

Florida Homeschool Funding

FES-UA, PEP, eligible expenses, and deadlines.

FL
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: Personalized Education Program (PEP) and Family Empowerment Scholarship — Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Admin: Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs): Step Up For Students (PEP & FES-UA) and AAA Scholarship Foundation (Florida programs)

Typical award

Amount: PEP awards vary by district and grade; FES-UA awards vary by ESE level and district. See the current award charts on the SFO sites.

Disbursement: ESA funds managed in an online account (Step Up EMA / AAA portal); families make pre-approved purchases or submit reimbursements per handbook rules.

Who qualifies

  • Florida residency required.
  • PEP: K–12 student not enrolled full-time in public school; family manages an annual Student Learning Plan (SLP).
  • FES-UA: Ages 3–22 with an eligible diagnosis or IEP; may be homeschooled or attend private school.

Timeline

  • Applications typically open spring for the next school year; returning families renew first.
  • Funds usually load on/after July 1; spending runs in four quarters (Q1–Q4) each school year.

Overview

Florida does not directly fund traditional “home education,” but families can use two ESA scholarships at home: PEP (a branch of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship that funds personalized education outside full-time school) and FES-UA (for students with disabilities). Funds are managed through each SFO’s portal (Step Up EMA or AAA) to purchase approved educational goods and services or request reimbursements.

Programs

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

  • Type: Education Savings Account (ESA) under the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
  • Award: Varies by district & grade; see the current award info on the SFO site
  • Uses: Curriculum and instructional materials, tutoring, online courses, tests/assessments, education technology, classes/extracurricular instruction, and more per the purchasing guides
  • Admin: Step Up For Students (primary PEP administrator); AAA also serves Florida families

Step Up: PEP overview  •  Step Up: Handbooks & buying guides  •  AAA: Florida parents page

Family Empowerment Scholarship — Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

  • Type: ESA for students with disabilities (can be used at home or private school)
  • Award: Based on ESE level and district; award charts posted by the SFOs
  • Uses: Curriculum, tuition/fees (if private school), tutoring, therapies, specialized services, assistive technology, evaluations, choice navigator, and more per the UA handbook
  • Admin: Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation

Step Up: FES-UA overview  •  AAA: Florida parents page

New Worlds Reading Scholarship Accounts (status)

  • Type: Reading scholarship micro-grant
  • Status: Accepting no new students after June 30, 2025; information & history remain on FDOE site

FDOE: Reading Scholarship (program info)

Eligibility

  • Residency: Student must be a Florida resident.
  • PEP: K–12; not enrolled full-time in a public school; must complete/maintain a Student Learning Plan; cannot stack with other state K-12 scholarships for the same time period.
  • FES-UA: Ages 3–22 with an eligible diagnosis or current IEP; not enrolled full-time in public school while using funds. Priority categories can apply (e.g., foster/guardianship, military, siblings).

How to apply

  1. Create your account with an SFO (Step Up EMA or AAA portal).
  2. Complete the application and upload documents (birth certificate, residency, IEP/diagnosis for UA, etc.).
  3. For PEP, complete the Student Learning Plan (SLP) in the portal.
  4. Once funded, request pre-approvals/purchases or submit reimbursements with receipts through the portal.

Apply / log in at Step Up    Apply / info at AAA

Covered expenses

  • Curriculum, textbooks & instructional materials
  • Tutoring / instructional services
  • Online courses, classes, and programs
  • Standardized tests / evaluations
  • Education software & licenses
  • Supplies & lab fees
  • Educational field trips / activities (per guide limits)
  • Technology & assistive devices
  • Therapies & specialized services (FES-UA)
  • Choice navigator / academic advising (where allowed)

Always check the current parent handbook/purchasing guide for allowed items and documentation rules.

Deadlines

MilestoneDateNotes
Applications open (returning)Spring (prior year)Returning families renew first via SFO
Applications open (new)Spring–SummerRolling until seats/funds are filled
Funds availableOn/after July 1Funds load to the ESA account each school year
Quarter windowsQ1 Jul–Sep • Q2 Oct–Dec • Q3 Jan–Mar • Q4 Apr–JunSpending/reimbursement timelines follow SFO quarter rules

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Can funds cover extracurriculars?
Many classes, clubs, and educational activities are eligible when aligned to the student’s plan and documented per the SFO purchasing guide. Always verify in the current handbook first.
How long do reimbursements take?
Processing times vary by SFO and quarter volume. Upload complete documentation to avoid delays; quarter timelines and cut-offs are explained in each handbook.
Can I dual-enroll?
Students using PEP or FES-UA generally cannot be enrolled full-time in a public school. Some part-time options or district services may be available; check the program rules and your district’s policies.

Contacts

Step Up For Students

Support hub & contact options
EMA portal

AAA Scholarship Foundation

Contact AAA • Phone: 888-707-2465
Florida parents page

Law & regulations