Family Empowerment Scholarship: Your Complete Florida Guide

You’ve heard about Florida’s family empowerment scholarship, but you’re not sure where to start. The good news? Thousands of Florida families have already done this. According to Beacon College, approximately 112,000 students applied for FES-UA scholarships in 2025 alone. With the right info, you can make a good choice.

Thanks to legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, Family Empowerment Scholarships are now open to all Florida families. Your income doesn’t matter. That’s a big shift from earlier programs. You can use funds for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, therapy services, or special instruction. These scholarships offer real help.

What Is the Family Empowerment Scholarship?

Florida’s family empowerment scholarship has two programs. Each one serves different families. FES-EO (Educational Options) serves families who want options beyond their assigned public schools. FES-UA (Unique Abilities) helps students with disabilities. Your family income doesn’t matter for this one. According to Beacon College, approximately 112,000 students applied for FES-UA scholarships in 2025 alone.

Both scholarships work differently than public school funding. Money doesn’t go to a school district. The scholarship lets families choose what works best. Funds can pay for therapists, specialists, curriculum, private school, and college savings. Families aren’t locked in. The money works for private school or homeschool costs.

Award amounts vary. It depends on which program you qualify for and your child’s needs. The FES-UA program gives up to $5,000 for children of fallen and disabled service members. This comes through the Folds of Honor Children’s Fund. Step Up for Students sends funds in four payments during the school year. This helps families budget over time instead of paying everything at once.

Does Your Family Qualify for the Family Empowerment Scholarship?

Florida now offers two scholarship paths. Which one fits your family? It depends on your child’s needs and your income. Here’s what you need to know about each program.

FES-EO (Educational Options) is the income-based scholarship. Thanks to legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, this program is now open to all Florida families. Your income doesn’t matter. You need to verify Florida residency and your child’s age. Students can use the scholarship until they turn 21. They can finish out that school year according to Florida administrative code.

FES-UA (Students with Unique Abilities) serves children with documented disabilities. Your child qualifies if they have an active IEP, a 504 plan, or specific diagnoses. These include autism, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome. Approximately 112,000 students applied for FES-UA scholarships in 2025. This scholarship extends until age 22. That gives families an extra year of support.

What disqualifies you? Attending a Florida public school full-time while getting the scholarship. Or living outside Florida. You also can’t combine FES with certain other state scholarships. If your child is in public school now, you must withdraw before the scholarship starts.

How Does the Family Empowerment Scholarship Compare to Other Florida Scholarships?

Florida offers several scholarship programs. It’s easy to get them confused. The family empowerment scholarship isn’t the only option. There’s also the Florida Hope Scholarship for students who’ve faced bullying or harassment. And the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, which is income-based. Here’s how they compare:

• Florida Hope Scholarship: Made for students who’ve been bullied, harassed, or hurt in public school. It helps families move to a safer place to learn. That could be a different public school, private school, or homeschool.
• Florida Tax Credit Scholarship: This is income-based. Families need to meet specific income limits to qualify. It’s been around longer than the family empowerment scholarship. It serves families who couldn’t otherwise afford private school.
• Family Empowerment Scholarship: Thanks to 2023 legislation, this scholarship is now open to all Florida families. Your income doesn’t matter. It offers the most flexibility in how you use the funds. You can pay for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, or therapy services.

Can you apply for multiple scholarships at once? Usually, no. Students can only get one scholarship at a time. Choose the program that best fits your family.

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Application Process: Step by Step

Ready to apply? The process is simpler than you might think. Most families finish their application in under an hour. You just need to gather the right documents first. Here’s what you need to know to go from “thinking about it” to “scholarship approved.”

1. Create your Step Up For Students account. Go to the Step Up For Students website. Set up your parent account. You’ll need a valid email and basic info about your child.
2. Gather your documents. You’ll need proof of Florida residency. This could be a utility bill, lease agreement, or driver’s license. You’ll also need your child’s birth certificate or proof of age. If you’re applying for the Students with Unique Abilities scholarship, gather any special needs documentation. Income verification isn’t required anymore thanks to the 2023 expansion. But keep your documents organized. You may need them later.
3. Submit your application. Fill out the online form with your child’s info and your education plans. Be specific about how you’ll use the funds. List private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, therapy services, or other approved expenses.
4. Wait for approval. According to Florida’s scholarship rules, organizations must process requests within 60 days. Most families hear back sooner. But plan for that two-month window.
5. Receive quarterly payments. Once approved, Step Up for Students sends funds in four payments during the school year. You’ll submit receipts or preauthorization requests for approved expenses. Reimbursements arrive within 60 days.

Finding and Choosing a Participating School

Once you’re ready to move forward with the family empowerment scholarship, you’ll need to find a school or program that accepts it. Start by checking your scholarship-funding organization’s website. They keep searchable lists of approved private schools in your area. You can filter by location, grade levels, and sometimes teaching style. If you’re planning to homeschool, the scholarship covers approved curriculum and materials instead of tuition.

Before you commit to any school, ask a few key questions. How long have they been accepting scholarship students? What’s their refund policy if your family needs to withdraw? Do they charge extra fees beyond tuition? And most important—does their teaching approach match what your child needs? If your preferred school isn’t on the approved list yet, contact them directly. Many schools are willing to go through the approval process if families ask. You can also reach out to your scholarship organization. Ask about the timeline for adding new schools.

Making the Switch: What to Expect When Leaving Public School

Switching from public school to a scholarship-funded option isn’t hard. But it does require a few official steps. You need to formally withdraw your child from their current school. Usually you submit a written notice to the principal or district office. Most schools will ask you to fill out a withdrawal form. You’ll also need to return any borrowed materials like textbooks or laptops.

Request copies of your child’s records right away. You’ll want transcripts, report cards, immunization records, and any IEP or 504 documentation. These records help you pick up where you left off. This is true whether you’re enrolling in a private school or designing your own homeschool plan.

If your child currently gets special education services, those will end when you leave the public system. However, the family empowerment scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities can cover therapy and specialist services. You’ll use approved providers. You’ll coordinate them yourself instead of through the school.

Timing matters. Fall transitions are smoother because everyone starts fresh. Mid-year switches work too. But you may need to adjust curriculum or catch up on different pacing. Either way, most families find the transition easier than they expected.

Your Month-by-Month Action Plan for Applying

Timing matters when you’re applying for a family empowerment scholarship. Start early, stay organized, and you’ll avoid last-minute stress. Here’s what to do and when:

1. 3-4 months before your desired start date: Research private schools or homeschool providers that accept the scholarship. Gather your documents. You’ll need birth certificate, proof of Florida residency, and any IEP or evaluation reports if you’re applying for the Students with Unique Abilities program. Make a list of approved expenses you’ll need to cover.
2. 2-3 months before: Submit your application through Step Up for Students or another scholarship funding organization. Don’t wait. You’ll want time to follow up if anything’s missing. Check your application status weekly. Respond quickly to any requests for more info.
3. 1 month before: Once you’re approved, finalize your school enrollment or homeschool registration. Complete any required orientation sessions. According to Step Up for Students, scholarship funds are sent in four quarterly payments during the school year. So plan your budget accordingly.
4. Ongoing: Mark your calendar for renewal deadlines each year. Keep receipts for all scholarship expenses. Submit reimbursement requests promptly. The state requires processing within 60 days. But you need to do your part first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Family Empowerment Scholarship for homeschooling?

Yes, FES funds work for approved homeschool curriculum, materials, and services. You need to work with an approved scholarship funding organization—like Step Up For Students—and keep receipts for all educational expenses. This includes textbooks, online courses, tutoring, and even specialized therapies if they’re part of your child’s educational plan.

What happens if my income changes after I’m approved?

You must report big income changes to Step Up For Students. If your income goes above the eligibility threshold, you may lose eligibility for renewal. But you typically finish the current school year. It’s better to report changes promptly than risk problems later.

How much is the Family Empowerment Scholarship worth?

Award amounts vary by program and grade level. They typically range from $7,000 to $8,000 per year. The exact amount depends on your county’s public school per-pupil funding level. You can check your county’s specific amount on the Florida Department of Education website.

Can my child participate in public school sports with the scholarship?

Yes, Florida law allows scholarship students to participate in extracurricular activities at their zoned public school. This includes sports teams. Your child just needs to meet the school’s eligibility requirements. Your child can enjoy the best of both worlds—scholarship-funded education and public school athletics.

Is the Family Empowerment Scholarship the same as the Florida Hope Scholarship?

No, they’re different programs. The Florida Hope Scholarship is specifically for students who’ve experienced bullying, harassment, or violence at school. FES is available based on income or for students with unique abilities. Both offer educational choice, but they serve different purposes.

Taking Your Next Step with the Family Empowerment Scholarship

The family empowerment scholarship has opened doors for thousands of Florida families. It gives them real choices about where and how their children learn. Maybe you’re drawn to a private school’s smaller class sizes. Or the flexibility of homeschooling. Or specialized services your child needs. This scholarship can make it financially possible.

Your path forward is straightforward. Check your eligibility first. Then start gathering your documents. Research participating schools or homeschool programs in your area. And here’s the most important advice—don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself at least three to four months before you want your child to start. That buffer gives you time to complete the application, receive approval, and finalize enrollment. No stress from tight deadlines.

More than 112,000 families applied for FES scholarships in 2025. Many of them started right where you are now. They wondered if this was the right move. Take it one step at a time. You’ll find your way to the education choice that fits your family best.