ChoiceFunded What your state pays

Florida Family Empowerment and Tax Credit Scholarships

Education savings account. About $8,000 on average, set by county and grade.

1,935 Florida private schools listed

How FES / FTC works

What you getAbout $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 qualifiesAny Florida resident who could attend a K-12 public school. There is no income limit. Renewals are funded first, then lower-income households.
How full it isMore than 525,000 students were funded across Florida’s scholarship programs in 2025-26, and 2026-27 applications passed 500,000 by the end of March 2026.
When to applyThe 2026-27 season opened February 1, 2026, with renewals due April 30. Expect the same timing in 2027.
How the money movesA 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 coversPrivate school tuition and fees first, then curriculum, instructional materials, testing fees and contracted services.

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 2026-09-20 from: Step Up For Students, 2026-27 award amounts; Step Up For Students, private school scholarships; Florida Daily, 2026-04-22. Rules change when the legislature meets, so check the official program site before you count on a number.

Run your own numbers

What would you pay?

FES / FTC pays between $7,463 and $12,217 depending on your household. 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.

Which schools take it

Florida publishes a private school directory with scholarship filters and an Excel download. We have not loaded it yet, so we do not mark Florida schools. Use the state directory to confirm.

Browse Florida private schools The state’s own list

Get one email when applications open

Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.

One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.

Questions parents ask

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. Renewals are funded first, then lower-income households.

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?

Florida publishes a private school directory with scholarship filters and an Excel download. We have not loaded it yet, so we do not mark Florida schools. Use the state directory to confirm.

When do I apply?

The 2026-27 season opened February 1, 2026, with renewals due April 30. Expect the same timing in 2027.

Other states

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