Florida
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Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EO)
The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program for Educational Options (FES-EO) provides funding for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational services. This is the largest ESA program in the United States.
💰 Award Amounts & Funding
Standard Award Range
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Income-based: Initially for families at or below 185% of federal poverty level. Expanding to universal eligibility. Open to Florida residents entering kindergarten or enrolled in public school previous year.
📝 How to Apply
1. Choose scholarship funding organization (Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation). 2. Create parent account online. 3. Complete application for each student. 4. Upload required documents. 5. Await eligibility determination from SFO. 6. If approved, accept scholarship by May 31 deadline.
Proof of Florida residency, student birth certificate, proof of household income (for priority consideration), prior school records if applicable
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition and fees, tutoring services, curriculum and instructional materials, therapy services (occupational, speech, physical), fees for standardized testing, educational software, tuition/fees for online learning programs, fees for dual enrollment courses, and other approved educational expenses.
📊 Academic Requirements
Nationally norm-referenced achievement tests required annually (e.g., Stanford, Iowa Test, Terra Nova)
Must participate in private school or approved educational program
Must take nationally norm-referenced tests annually
Annual testing results, quarterly expense documentation through SFO
Annual renewal application through SFO. Renewal priority deadline April 30, must accept/decline by May 31
📞 Contact & Resources
Get Help
Helpful Resources
Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-UA)
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) provides enhanced funding for students with disabilities to access specialized educational services and therapies.
💰 Award Amounts & Funding
Standard Award Range
Special Needs Award
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. Must be a Florida resident. Open to students entering kindergarten or enrolled in public school previous year.
📝 How to Apply
1. Choose SFO (Step Up or AAA). 2. Gather IEP or physician disability diagnosis. 3. Create parent account. 4. Complete online application. 5. Upload disability documentation. 6. SFO determines eligibility. 7. Accept scholarship by May 31 if approved.
Florida residency proof, student birth certificate, current IEP from Florida public school OR physician diagnosis letter for eligible disability, matrix level documentation (if applicable)
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition, specialized therapies (occupational, speech, physical, behavioral), assistive technology, curriculum for students with disabilities, tutoring, transportation to service providers, and other disability-related educational expenses.
📊 Academic Requirements
Nationally norm-referenced tests if deemed appropriate for the child; assessments must accommodate disability
Must participate in appropriate educational services
Progress evaluated based on student IEP goals and capabilities
Annual progress reporting through SFO, quarterly expense documentation, maintain IEP currency
Annual renewal with updated IEP or disability documentation. Renewal priority deadline April 30, accept by May 31
📞 Contact & Resources
Get Help
Helpful Resources
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship provides scholarships funded by corporate tax credits for low-income families to attend private schools.
💰 Award Amounts & Funding
Standard Award Range
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Income-based: Families at or below 185% of federal poverty level. Florida resident. Entering kindergarten or enrolled in public school previous year.
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition and fees only.