Step Up For Students Florida: Complete Guide for Families

Looking for financial support to give your child the best education possible? Step Up For Students is Florida's largest scholarship program, providing families with funds to choose the educational path that works best for their children – whether that's private school, homeschooling, or specialised services for children with unique needs.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Step Up For Students Florida – from eligibility requirements and application deadlines to how to use your scholarship funds for approved educational expenses.

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What is Florida’s Step Up For Students program?

Step Up For Students (sometimes referred to as "SUFs") is an umbrella term for several scholarship programs available for Florida families, giving parents the freedom to choose the educational environment that best suits their children’s needs. With programs covering pre-K3 through 12th grade, it’s one of the largest school-choice programs in the United States, helping over 200,000 students every year.

The program is state-approved and managed by the Step Up For Students nonprofit organisation in Florida.

There are several distinct scholarships within the program – many of which provide an Education Savings Account (ESA) – allowing parents to direct funds toward approved educational expenses for private school, homeschooling or an out-of-district public school of their choice.

Depending on which scholarship you choose to apply for, the funds can be used for:

• Private school tuition and fees

• Homeschool curriculum and materials

• Online learning programs

• Tutoring and therapy services

• Educational materials and books

• Technology for learning.

Most Florida families with school-aged children qualify for at least one type of scholarship. You don’t need to have a low household income to apply and application is completely free. However, you can only use scholarship funds to purchase from approved vendors.

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The Step Up For Students scholarship options

To ensure you choose the right Step Up scholarship for your family’s needs, it’s important to understand the options available.

There are three broad scholarship types:

1. Personalised Education Program (PEP) for homeschooling families and covers kindergarten through 12th grade

2. Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) for children with special needs and covers pre-K3 through 12th grade

3. Private School Scholarship, which includes the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO). This is for families sending children to private school and covers kindergarten through 12th grade.

Watch the video below for an overview of the options and continue reading to find out more about each scholarship in detail.

Personalised Education Program (PEP)

Who is it for?

Homeschool families and part-time private school students.

Average scholarship amount?

Varies based on grade level and family situation (typically $7,000–$8,000).

Who can apply?

• Students being homeschooled in Florida

• Students attending private school part-time

• Students not enrolled full-time in public school.

What can it be used for?

• Curriculum materials and textbooks

• Online learning programs

• Educational software and apps

• Tutoring services

• Educational therapies

• Workbooks and supplemental materials

• Testing fees (like SAT, ACT)

• Online courses and classes

• Educational field trips

• Science lab equipment and supplies

• Art and music supplies for educational use.

How does it work?

Successful applicants will receive an ESA preloaded with their allocated funds. Families can then purchase from approved vendors and pay using their ESA account. It’s like having a debit card just for educational purchases!

This is the most popular scholarship for families homeschooling in Florida because it provides the freedom to choose their own curriculum and educational approach.

Reading Eggs is the multi-award winning online reading program for ages 2–13. Your child will love learning all the key literacy skills from phonemic awareness through to fluent reading and comprehension. With a full digital library, worksheets and workbooks, Reading Eggs can be used as a comprehensive homeschool curriculum or as a supplementary learning resource. Try Reading Eggs FREE for 30 days!

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Who is it for?

Students with special needs who have been diagnosed by a licensed physician.

Average scholarship amount?

$10,000 per student per year (some students receive more based on needs).

Who can apply?

Families with children who have special needs. Eligible diagnoses include:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Cerebral palsy

• Down syndrome

• Intellectual disabilities

• Speech or language impairments

• Emotional or behavioural disabilities

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in some cases

• Other developmental delays.

What can it be used for?

• Private school specialising in special education

• Specialised therapies (speech, occupational, physical therapy)

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services

• Educational materials designed for special needs

• Assistive technology

• Online learning programs that support special needs, like Reading Eggs.

How does it work?

Successful applicants receive an ESA with funds to spend on approved services and products. It’s very flexible and designed to meet each child’s unique needs.

Reading Eggs has had great success teaching children with special needs how to read, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)

Who is it for?

Families who want to send their child to private school.

Average scholarship amount?

$8,000 per student per year.

Who can apply?

Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grade who meet these criteria:

• Currently enrolled in or eligible to attend a Florida public school

• Florida residents with proof of residency

• Families at any income level (though lower-income families receive priority)

• Students currently in public school, private school, or transitioning from homeschool.

Who gets priority?

• Lower-income families get first priority

• Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, though families at any income level can apply.

What can it be used for?

• Private school tuition and fees

• Educational materials

• Tutoring services

• School uniforms

• Technology for learning.

How does it work?

The scholarship money goes directly to the child’s nominated private school to pay for tuition and fees. Any extra funds go into an ESA.

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

Who is it for?

Any Florida family choosing an alternative to their assigned public school.

Average scholarship amount?

$8,000 per student per year.

Who can apply?

This is the most flexible school vouchers program in Florida. You don’t have to prove financial need, making it available to more families.

Who gets priority?

Lower-income families receive priority, but there’s no strict income limit.

What can it be used for?

• Private school tuition

• Transportation to a different public school

• Lab fees and course materials

• Educational therapies.

How does it work?

Similar to the FTC scholarship, but with slightly different eligibility rules. Many families qualify for both and can choose which one to apply for.

New Worlds Scholarship

Note: This scholarship is currently NOT accepting applications due to lack of funding. It was previously offered for students enrolled in public schools who needed extra help with reading and maths. Check the official Step Up For Students website for updates on availability.

Who is it for?

Florida students already enrolled in public schools who need extra help with reading or maths skills.

Average scholarship amount?

Varies by student’s needs (typically $500–$1,000 per student per year, when active).

Who can apply?

Not currently available – applications are closed indefinitely.

Who gets priority?

• Students identified as performing below grade level in reading or maths

• Students attending public schools in Florida

• Priority was given to students with the greatest academic needs

• No income requirements – focused entirely on academic improvement needs.

What can it be used for?

• Tutoring services specifically for reading or maths

• Supplemental educational materials for literacy and numeracy

• Online learning programs focused on reading improvement, such as Reading Eggs

• Maths intervention programs and materials, like Mathseeds

• Educational assessments and testing

• Instructional materials to support skill development in reading and maths only.

How does it work?

Unlike other Step Up scholarships that provide broader educational funding, New Worlds is designed as a targeted intervention program. Students remain enrolled in their public school full-time while receiving an ESA to purchase supplemental resources to address specific learning gaps in reading or mathematics. The scholarship provides additional support alongside regular classroom instruction rather than replacing it.

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Who is eligible for Step Up scholarships?

The Step Up For Students program is designed to help as many students as possible, not just low-income families. Therefore, most Florida families with school-aged children qualify for one or more of the scholarship options. However, families who earn less money get priority when applications are reviewed.

Basic requirements:

• Your child must be a full-time Florida resident

• Unless you’re applying for the Unique Abilities scholarship (FES-UA extends to pre-K3), your child must be eligible to attend a K–12 public school in Florida

• Your child can be homeschooled or be enrolled in a public or private school.

Priority levels:

• Priority Level 1: Families earning up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) get first priority

• Priority Level 2: Families earning 185% to 400% of FPL get second priority

• No Income Limit: Families earning above 400% of FPL can still apply and receive scholarships, depending on demand.

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Application deadlines and timeline in 2026

Applications for Step Up scholarships stay open throughout the year until funding runs out. We recommend applying as soon as possible when applications are open.

Mark your calendar with these important Step Up For Students funding dates:

• January 2026: Applications open for the 2026–27 school year

• April 30, 2026: Priority deadline – apply by this date for the best chance of approval and fastest processing

• July 2026: Most families receive approval notices

• August 2026: Scholarship funds available for renewal students

• September 2026: Scholarship funds available for new students.

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How to apply

Follow our step-by-step guide to the Step Up For Students application process.

Step 1: Choose your scholarship type

First, decide which scholarship fits your family best:

• Private School Scholarship (FTC or FES-EO) – for families sending children to private school

• Personalised Education Program (PEP) – for homeschool families

• Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) – for children with special needs.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Before you start the application, make sure you have digital copies of these documents:

• Your child’s birth certificate

• Proof that you live in Florida (utility bill, lease, or driver’s licence)

• Income documents (pay stubs, tax returns)

• If applying for a Unique Abilities (special needs) scholarship, you’ll need paperwork from a doctor.

Step 3: Go to the Step Up For Students website

Visit the official Step Up For Students website at stepupforstudents.org

Click "Apply Now" and create a parent account.

Step 4: Complete the online application

Fill out the online form with:

• Your family information

• Your child’s information

• Which scholarship you want

• Upload your documents.

The application takes about 20–30 minutes to complete.

Step 5: Submit and wait

After you submit, you’ll get a confirmation email. Step Up For Students will review your application and let you know if you’re approved. This usually takes 4–6 weeks, but can be faster if you apply early.

Step 6: If approved, start shopping!

Once approved, you’ll get an Award ID for your child and access to their ESA or vouchers to use for private schooling. If using an ESA, you can then start purchasing approved educational materials like Reading Eggs.

Developed by experienced educators, Reading Eggs is a fun and comprehensive homeschool curriculum that aligns to state standards and covers the five foundational pillars of the Science of Reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Try Reading Eggs free for 30 days while you wait for your Step Up For Students application to be approved.

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What can you buy with Step Up For Students funds?

To ensure scholarship funds are spent on quality programs and resources, Step Up For Students maintains an approved vendor database of thousands of educational publishers and service providers. Your ESA funds can only be used to purchase from approved vendors.

As a general rule, these are the eligible educational expenses you can use ESA funds for:

Curriculum & Textbooks

• Complete homeschool curriculum packages

• Individual textbooks for any subject

• Workbooks and practice books

• Teacher guides and lesson plans.

Online Learning Programs

• Online educational programs, apps and software subscriptions

• Virtual tutoring programs.

Educational Supplies

• Science lab kits and equipment

• Art supplies for educational projects

• Music lessons and instruments (when part of a curriculum)

• Physical education equipment

• Geography materials and maps.

Services

• Private tutoring (in-person or online)

• Educational therapy services

• Test prep courses

• College entrance exam fees (SAT, ACT, AP tests)

• Dual enrolment fees.

Technology (with limitations)

• Educational software

• Online subscriptions for learning

• Computer hardware (if required for curriculum)

• Tablets for educational use.

Read our article to discover practical tips on how to maximise your ESA funds and create an exceptional learning experience for your kids.

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Ready to apply for Step Up For Students?

Now that you know everything about Step Up For Students Florida, it’s time to take action!

Here’s what to do next:

• Try Reading Eggs free for 30 days: Sign up for a free trial and see how the online program meets your family’s educational needs while you wait for your SUFs application to be approved

• Gather your documents: Use our guide above to collect everything you need

• Visit the official website: Go to stepupforstudents.org to start your application

• Apply before April 30, 2026 for priority processing

• Plan your expenses: Browse approved vendors like Reading Eggs to see what educational materials you’ll purchase.

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Frequently asked questions about Step Up For Students Florida

Who is eligible for Step Up Florida scholarships?

Florida students in Pre-K3 through 12th grade (depending on scholarship type) whose families reside in the state can apply through their parent or guardian. The Unique Abilities Scholarship is available for Pre-K3 through 12th grade, while other scholarships cover kindergarten through 12th grade. Priority is given to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (about US$121,000/year for a family of four), but there's no strict income requirement. Most Florida families qualify for at least one type of Step Up scholarship.

How much money do you get from Step Up For Students?

The amount depends on which scholarship you receive:

• Personalised Education Program (PEP): Typically $7,000–$8,000 per student

• Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA): Average $10,000 per student (can be higher based on needs)

• Private School Scholarships (FTC & FES-EO): Average $8,000 per student.

The exact amount depends on your child’s grade level and which scholarship you qualify for.

What documents do I need for Step Up For Students?

When applying for a Step Up For Students scholarship, you’ll need to provide:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or driver’s licence)

• Income verification for priority processing (tax returns, pay stubs)

• Previous school records

• For the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA), you’ll also need diagnosis documentation from a licensed doctor.

Have digital copies ready before starting your application to make the process faster.

When can I apply for Step Up For Students?

Applications for the 2026–27 school year opened in January 2026. The priority deadline is April 30, 2026. Apply early for the best chance of approval. Applications remain open throughout the year, but funding is limited, so don’t wait!

Is Step Up For Students legitimate?

Yes! Step Up For Students is an official Florida scholarship funding organisation (SFO) that has been approved by the Florida Department of Education since 2000. It’s one of the most trusted school choice programs in Florida, helping over 200,000 students and families every year. The program is legitimate, safe and it’s free to apply.

Can homeschool families use Step Up Florida funds?

Absolutely! The Personalised Education Program (PEP) is specifically designed for homeschool families. You can use your scholarship funds to purchase curriculum, online learning programs, educational materials, tutoring, and more. Learn more about how ESA funds work for homeschoolers.

Can I use Step Up For Students to buy Reading Eggs?

Yes! Blake eLearning (the publisher of Reading Eggs and Mathseeds) is an approved vendor for Step Up For Students. You can use your ESA funds to purchase subscriptions for online reading and maths programs and workbooks. Reading Eggs and Mathseeds make a great homeschool curriculum and align with Florida education standards. Shop Reading Eggs with your ESA funds here.

Can I apply for multiple Step Up scholarships?

Your child can only receive ONE Step Up Florida scholarship at a time. However, you can apply for the one that best fits your situation. For example, if you’re homeschooling, apply for the Personalised Education Program (PEP). If your child has special needs, the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) might be the best choice.

Do I have to pay taxes on Step Up Florida scholarships?

No! Step Up For Students scholarships are not considered taxable income. You don’t have to report them on your tax return.

Can I use a Step Up For Students scholarship for multiple children?

Each child needs their own scholarship application and will receive their own Award ID and funds. If you have three children, you’ll apply for each one separately, and each will have their own Education Savings Account.

What happens to unused Step Up funds at the end of the year?

This depends on the scholarship type and current rules. In many cases, unused funds can roll over to the next school year if you renew your scholarship. Check with Step Up For Students for the most current rollover policies.

This guide was last updated in February 2026. Scholarship amounts, deadlines and eligibility requirements may change. Always check the official Step Up For Students website for the most current information.