Florida ESA Program 2025: Complete Guide
Get up to $10,000 per year for Education Savings Account expenses including private school, homeschool, tutoring, and therapy through Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES ESA)
Quick Answer: Florida ESA Eligibility & Awards
Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship provides $8,000-$10,000 annually per student for Education Savings Account uses including private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and therapy. Eligibility includes families earning up to 185% of federal poverty level ($57,720 for family of 4), students with disabilities, foster children, and siblings of current recipients. Over 130,000 Florida students currently benefit from these funds with year-round applications available through Step Up For Students.
Program Statistics & Growth
2025 Award Amounts by Grade Level
| Grade Level | Award Amount | Special Needs Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,832 | Up to +$2,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,394 | Up to +$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,000 | Up to +$2,000 |
Who Qualifies for Florida ESA?
✓ Income-Based Eligibility
Families with household income at or below 185% of federal poverty level:
- • Family of 2: $38,443
- • Family of 3: $48,470
- • Family of 4: $57,720
- • Family of 5: $68,447
✓ Special Circumstances
- ✓Students with disabilities (IEP or 504 plan) - NO income limit
- ✓Foster care or under guardianship - NO income limit
- ✓Siblings of current scholarship recipients
- ✓Current FES or FTC scholarship holders
- ✓First-time kindergarten students
How to Apply for Florida ESA
Create Step Up For Students Account
Visit stepupforstudents.org and create parent account. Verify email and complete profile.
Upload Income Documents
Submit income verification:
- Federal tax return (1040)
- W-2 forms from all employers
- Recent pay stubs (last 2 months)
- Proof of public assistance (if applicable)
Complete Application
Fill out student information, educational plan, and school selection. Submit documentation.
Receive Approval & Funds
Step Up For Students processes application in 2-4 weeks. Approved families receive funds quarterly through approved vendors and schools.
Year-Round Applications
What Can Florida ESA Funds Pay For?
✓ Approved Expenses
- ✓Private school tuition and fees
- ✓Homeschool curriculum
- ✓Tutoring services
- ✓Educational therapy (speech, OT, ABA)
- ✓Online courses
- ✓Dual enrollment college courses
- ✓Standardized test fees (SAT, ACT, AP)
- ✓Educational technology
- ✓Transportation to school
✗ Not Allowed
- ✗Sports equipment
- ✗Musical instruments
- ✗Room and board
- ✗Non-educational activities
Ready to Apply for Florida ESA?
Our Florida ESA specialists have helped 250+ families navigate the Step Up For Students application. We handle income verification, documentation, and school selection.