Florida FES and FTC: Family Empowerment and Tax Credit Scholarships
FES and FTC is an education savings account. About $8,000 on average, set by county and grade.
- Award
- About $8,000 on average, set by county and grade
- Read
- Who qualifies
- Any Florida resident who could attend a K-12 public school.
- Read
- Next date
- Last day for new 2026-27 Private School and Unique Abilities Scholarship applications: November 15, 2026.
- Read · all deadlines
Schools that take FES / FTC Deadlines by state Homeschooling in Florida All 2,784 private schools in Florida
How FES / FTC works
Checked against the program's own pages on
| What you get | About $8,000 on average, set by county and grade. For 2026-27 the table runs from $7,463 (grades 9-12, lowest county) to $12,217 (grades K-3, Monroe County). Students with disabilities average about $10,000 under FES-UA. |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Any Florida resident who could attend a K-12 public school. There is no income limit. When money is short, the Tax Credit Scholarship funds renewals first. New awards go first to households at or below 185% of the poverty level or in foster care, then to those up to 400%. |
| How full it is | Step Up For Students, the nonprofit that runs most of Florida’s scholarships, reported in April 2026 that more than 525,000 students were funded across the state’s K-12 scholarship programs in 2025-26 and that 2026-27 applications reached 500,000 on March 30, 2026. The Florida Department of Education’s own pages block automated reading, so we have not checked these against a state count. |
| When to apply | New families can still apply for 2026-27: the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO) and the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) take new applications until November 15, 2026. PEP, for students not enrolled full time in a school, closed to new applications on April 30, 2026. Families with a deadline exception, such as children of active-duty military or in foster care, may apply for the Private School Scholarship or PEP until April 15, 2027, but funding is not guaranteed. Renewals closed April 30. 2027-28 dates are not announced yet; this year applications opened February 1. |
| How the money moves | A nonprofit scholarship organization, mainly Step Up For Students, holds the account and pays the school. Money left after tuition can be spent like an education savings account. |
| What it covers | Private school tuition and fees first, then curriculum, instructional materials, testing fees and contracted services. |
| Federal tax credit, 2027 | Florida is on the IRS list of states that opted in to the federal scholarship tax credit (as of September 14, 2026), so scholarship organizations here can take federally credited gifts from January 2027. |
Worth knowing: The amount depends on the county you live in, not the county the school is in, and it is reset in each state budget.
We read this on from: Florida Department of Education, private school directory (scholarship participation; download read October 6, 2026); Step Up For Students, 2026-27 award amounts; Step Up For Students, private school scholarships; Step Up For Students, 2026-27 deadlines; Step Up For Students, PEP application (window and deadline exceptions, read October 8, 2026); Step Up For Students, NextSteps blog, April 2026 (funded students and applications); Florida Daily, April 22, 2026 (same figures); Florida Statutes 1002.395 (Tax Credit Scholarship: renewals first, then income priority); Florida Statutes 1002.394 (Family Empowerment Scholarship: income priority). Rules change when the legislature meets, so check the official program site before you count on a number.
FES / FTC has no income limit: income sets who is funded first (2026-27)
| Household size | FTC, FES-EO and PEP First priority: 185% of the federal poverty level | FTC, FES-EO and PEP, second priority group Second priority: 400% of the federal poverty level |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $40,034 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $222,880 |
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. Any household income qualifies; new applicants from households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (the amounts shown), or children in foster or out-of-home care, are funded first, then households up to 400%, then everyone else. Source.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options. Any household income qualifies; households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (the amounts shown), or children in foster or out-of-home care, get first priority, then households up to 400%, then households above 400%. Source.
FTC, FES-EO and PEP, second priority group. Households above 185% but at or below these amounts form the second priority group; households above them can still receive a scholarship but are funded last. Source.
Personalized Education Program. PEP uses the same three income priority groups as FTC: at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (the amounts shown) or foster care first, then up to 400%, then above 400%. Source.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. Household income plays no part; eligibility rests on a disability shown by an IEP or a qualifying diagnosis, and renewing students are reviewed before new applicants. Source.
Who goes first. FTC must fund renewing students before any new awards, then new students first come, first served, with households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (or in foster care) ahead of those up to 400%, and those ahead of everyone else. FES-UA reviews renewals first, then new applicants, and has a yearly cap on funded scholarships with exceptions for some groups such as military, law enforcement, adopted and foster children.
Apply for FES and FTC: how it works
- Gather your documents: two different proofs of Florida residency, your child's birth certificate or passport if they are entering kindergarten or first grade, and pay stubs if you want income priority.
- Create an account in EMA, Step Up For Students' scholarship platform, at apply.stepupforstudents.org.
- Complete the application, upload the documents, review the summary, terms and sworn compliance statement, and submit it. New 2026-27 applications for FTC, FES-EO and FES-UA are accepted until November 15, 2026.
- When you are told your child is eligible, accept or decline the scholarship by December 15, 2026 (new students) or May 31 (renewing students).
- Enroll your child at an eligible private school. Once the school confirms enrollment, it invoices tuition and fees, and you approve each payment before scholarship money is sent to the school.
- Renew every year between February 1 and April 30; renewals submitted after April 30 are treated as new applications.
What to have ready
- Two different proof of Florida residency documents from the same parent or guardian (for example a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, driver's license), bills dated within two months
- Birth certificate or non-expired passport for children entering kindergarten or first grade (FES-UA: ages 3 to 6)
- Social Security numbers for the parent and student (FES requires the student's number; without it the student is considered for FTC only)
- Pay stubs covering 30 consecutive days and other income records for every household member 18 or older, only if applying for income priority
- FES-UA only: an IEP or a qualifying diagnosis from a physician, psychologist or other approved licensed professional
Go to the official application
Steps and limits read on from: Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026), Family Empowerment Scholarship Program; Florida Statutes 1002.395 (2026), Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program; Step Up For Students, 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook (FTC and FES-EO); Step Up For Students, 2026-27 FES-UA Family Handbook; Step Up For Students, 2026-27 PEP Family Handbook; Step Up For Students, 2026-27 new and renewal application checklists; Step Up For Students, how to apply for a private school scholarship; Step Up For Students, 2026-27 deadlines and payment schedule; AAA Scholarship Foundation, Florida FTC and FES-EO scholarships. Limits change each year with the federal poverty guidelines, so confirm on the official site before you apply.
Which schools take it
List read October 8, 2026, checked November 2, 2026
Schools marked here are listed as taking the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) or the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) in the Florida Department of Education’s private school directory. We loaded the directory’s download on October 6, 2026: 2,588 of its 3,607 private schools take one or both. The mark also names FES-UA when the school takes the Unique Abilities scholarship. We match by school name and city, or by phone or street where the names differ. A school without the mark may have joined since, so check the state directory too.
How many private schools take the scholarship in each county.
FES / FTC award $7,528 to $12,217Award covers the listed priceListed price is higher
The award covers the full listed price at 13 of 255 schools with a verified 2026-27 price.
Prices from each school’s own website, read in October 2026: the lowest listed grade band, fees not included. Award from Step Up For Students, 2026-27 scholarship amounts by district (FTC and FES-EO), read October 9, 2026. The award depends on the student's county of residence. We use the row for the school's own county: the grades K to 3 amount for the elementary price, grades 4 to 8 for a middle school price and grades 9 to 12 for the high school price.
How far a scholarship goes, state by state.
The share of private schools on each state's list, Florida included.
2,414 schools on the FES / FTC list, by town Browse private schools in Florida The state’s own list
- Private schools in Miami (319 nearby)
- Private schools in Opa Locka (226 nearby)
- Private schools in Miami Springs (194 nearby)
- Private schools in Hialeah (178 nearby)
- Private schools in Orlando (163 nearby)
- Private schools in Miami Shores (143 nearby)
- Private schools in Jacksonville (142 nearby)
- Private schools in Miami Gardens (142 nearby)
- Private schools in Miami Lakes (137 nearby)
- Private schools in Doral (129 nearby)
- Private schools in North Miami Beach (124 nearby)
- Private schools in North Miami (123 nearby)
- Private schools in Lauderdale Lakes (114 nearby)
- Private schools in Hialeah Gardens (111 nearby)
- Private schools in Oakland Park (108 nearby)
- Private schools in Tampa (104 nearby)
- Private schools in West Park (102 nearby)
- Private schools in Fort Lauderdale (97 nearby)
Run your own numbers
What would you pay?
Enter amounts of $0 or more.
FES / FTC pays between $7,463 and $12,217 depending on where you live and other factors. We start with the lower figure. Change it if you know yours. An award can never be more than the school actually charges. This is arithmetic, not a quote.
Published tuition at schools on the FES / FTC list
Prices read on the schools' own websites, October 1, 2026 to October 11, 2026
We verified published tuition at 289 of the 2,414 schools on the list: prices run from $6,600 to $54,500 a year, and the middle price is $11,898, using each school’s lowest published rate. Compare that with the award above to see what a family might still owe.
| School | Town | Published tuition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Heritage- Broward Campus | Plantation | $40,300 to $49,800 | 2027-28 |
| North Broward Preparatory School | Coconut Creek | $33,600 to $45,520 | not stated |
| American Heritage School - Boca/Delray Palm Beach | Delray Beach | $40,300 to $49,800 | 2027-28 |
| Archbishop McCarthy High School | Southwest Ranches | $12,699 | 2026-27 |
| Christopher Columbus High School | Miami | $18,150 | 2026-27 |
| The King's Academy | West Palm Beach | $22,800 to $33,500 | 2026-27 |
| Bishop Kenny High School | Jacksonville | $15,100 | 2026-27 |
| Bishop Moore Catholic High School | Orlando | $23,952 | 2026-27 |
| Trinity Christian Academy | Jacksonville | $11,500 to $13,560 | 2026-27 |
| St. Brendan Catholic High School | Miami | $17,500 | 2026-27 |
| Westminster Christian Private School | Palmetto Bay | $26,100 to $34,100 | 2026-27 |
| The Benjamin Private School | North Palm Beach | $29,280 to $41,600 | 2026-27 |
| Evangelical Christian School | Fort Myers | $14,590 to $17,820 | 2026-27 |
| Scheck Hillel Community School | North Miami Beach | $32,300 to $37,800 | 2026-27 |
| Florida Christian School | Miami | $15,750 to $17,850 | 2026-27 |
| Southwest Florida Christian Academy | Fort Myers | $12,677 to $14,991 | 2026-27 |
| Indian Rocks Christian School | Largo | $14,900 to $17,200 | 2026-27 |
| The First Academy | Orlando | $18,010 to $28,370 | 2026-27 |
| Cardinal Gibbons High School | Fort Lauderdale | $16,250 | 2026-27 |
| Academy of the Holy Names | Tampa | $21,880 to $27,725 | 2026-27 |
| Atlantic Christian Academy | West Palm Beach | $13,500 to $14,800 | 2026-27 |
| Westminster Academy | Fort Lauderdale | $17,200 to $22,300 | 2026-27 |
| Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy | Melbourne | $18,290 to $24,630 | 2026-27 |
| Bishop Verot Catholic High School | Fort Myers | $17,495 | 2026-27 |
| Calvary Christian High School | Clearwater | $18,500 | 2026-27 |
| Immaculata-la Salle High School | Miami | $17,720 | 2026-27 |
| Cambridge Christian School | Tampa | $18,500 to $23,500 | 2026-27 |
| Jesuit High School | Tampa | $23,920 | 2026-27 |
| Calvary Chapel Academy | West Melbourne | $10,445 to $12,425 | 2026-27 |
| Jupiter Christian School | Jupiter | $20,750 to $22,500 | 2026-27 |
Showing the 30 largest by enrollment of 289. Each figure was read on that school’s own website and is linked on its page. These are the schools we have verified so far, mostly larger ones, so treat them as a guide, not an average. Private school tuition across Florida, school by school.
Put the next FES / FTC window in your calendar
Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state's program to add its next dated window to your own calendar, with the official link, or subscribe to every program's dates.
November 15, 2026 Florida FES / FTC: Last day for new 2026-27 Private School and Unique Abilities Scholarship applications.
Every program's dates in one calendar that updates when we confirm new dates: subscribe in Google Calendar · subscribe in Apple Calendar or Outlook · all deadlines
Free. Nothing to sign up for: the calendar file is made in your browser and nothing is sent to us. Dates can change, so confirm on the official site.
Questions parents ask
Answers with a source line are short summaries of the program document named under them. Follow the link for the full wording.
How much does FES / FTC pay in Florida?
About $8,000 on average, set by county and grade. For 2026-27 the table runs from $7,463 (grades 9-12, lowest county) to $12,217 (grades K-3, Monroe County). Students with disabilities average about $10,000 under FES-UA.
Who is eligible?
Any Florida resident who could attend a K-12 public school. There is no income limit. When money is short, the Tax Credit Scholarship funds renewals first. New awards go first to households at or below 185% of the poverty level or in foster care, then to those up to 400%.
Does it cover the full cost of private school?
Not always. The award is a set amount and every school sets its own price. Ask each school for tuition plus fees, then subtract the award. The calculator on this page does the sum for you.
How do I know a school accepts FES / FTC?
Schools marked here are listed as taking the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) or the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) in the Florida Department of Education’s private school directory. We loaded the directory’s download on October 6, 2026: 2,588 of its 3,607 private schools take one or both. The mark also names FES-UA when the school takes the Unique Abilities scholarship. We match by school name and city, or by phone or street where the names differ. A school without the mark may have joined since, so check the state directory too.
When do I apply?
New families can still apply for 2026-27: the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO) and the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) take new applications until November 15, 2026. PEP, for students not enrolled full time in a school, closed to new applications on April 30, 2026. Families with a deadline exception, such as children of active-duty military or in foster care, may apply for the Private School Scholarship or PEP until April 15, 2027, but funding is not guaranteed. Renewals closed April 30. 2027-28 dates are not announced yet; this year applications opened February 1.
How do I apply for FES and FTC?
Gather your documents: two different proofs of Florida residency, your child's birth certificate or passport if they are entering kindergarten or first grade, and pay stubs if you want income priority. The 6 steps are listed under “Apply for FES and FTC” on this page, with the documents to have ready.
Is there an income limit?
No. Any Florida resident who can enroll in a K-12 public school can apply for FTC or FES-EO. Income only decides priority: households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level are served first, then those up to 400%.
Can my child use it if they are already in private school?
Yes. FTC and FES-EO only require Florida residency (or military PCS orders to Florida) and eligibility to enroll in a Florida public school in kindergarten through grade 12. Prior public school attendance is not required.
Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes. Renewals run from February 1 to April 30 and you must confirm by May 31 that you are renewing. Applications submitted after April 30 are treated as new.
What happens to money we do not spend?
Unspent FTC and FES-EO money rolls over to the next school year, but Step Up cannot add funds that would push the account above $24,000. An account is closed and the money returns to the state after two consecutive fiscal years with no spending.
Does it cover pre-K?
Only FES-UA does: a child with a qualifying disability can apply from age 3. FTC and FES-EO start at kindergarten, and the child must be 5 on or before September 1 of the school year.
Can homeschoolers use it?
Families not enrolled full time in a public or private school can use the Personalized Education Program (PEP), which requires a yearly Student Learning Plan and a norm-referenced test. New PEP applications for 2026-27 closed April 30, 2026. Families with a deadline exception, such as children of active-duty military or in foster care, may still apply until April 15, 2027, but funding is not guaranteed.
Is there a cap on how many students can get FES-EO?
No. Since the 2023-24 school year FES-EO has no enrollment cap and no income limit. Any Florida resident who is eligible to enroll in a Florida public school in kindergarten through grade 12 can apply.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
How much is an FES-EO scholarship worth?
It depends on your child's grade and the county you live in. The state says the average award in the 2024-25 school year was $8,200.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
Who decides whether my child is eligible for FES-EO?
The approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization you apply to. It collects and checks your documents, sends eligible students to the state for funding each quarter, and pays the private school on your behalf.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
What do parents agree to when they take FES-EO?
To enroll the child full time at a private school approved for FES-EO, meet the principal or a designee before enrolling to go over the school's programs and rules, have the child take the school's norm-referenced test, approve each payment to the school, pay any eligible costs above the scholarship, and meet the scholarship organization's deadlines.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
How does the FES-EO money reach the school?
The scholarship funding organization sends it to the private school you chose, but only after you approve each payment.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
Can FES-EO pay for homeschooling?
No. An FES-EO student meets Florida's attendance rules by enrolling in a private school that the state has approved for the scholarship.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
Can we use FES-EO at any private school?
No. The money can only be used at a private school the Florida Department of Education has approved to take part in the program.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
Does every private school have to accept FES-EO?
No. Private schools choose whether to take part. A school that wants to joins by meeting the requirements in the scholarship law and getting state approval.
Source: Florida Department of Education, Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs, PDF dated April 15, 2025. Still matches Florida Statutes 1002.394 (2026) as of October 6, 2026.
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