Homeschooling in Florida can be funded through various programs. Families can receive significant financial support for educational expenses, making it easier to provide a quality education at home.
With approximately 180,000 homeschooled students, Florida has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Can I get paid to homeschool in Florida?
Yes! Florida's Personalized Education Program (PEP) gives around $8,000 each year for homeschooling families through an Education Savings Account (ESA). Every K-12 student qualifies, no matter the family income. This money helps pay for curriculum, tutoring, therapy, and tech.
What funding is available for Florida homeschoolers?
Florida has three main scholarship programs, but most homeschoolers use PEP or FES-UA:
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Personalized Education Program (PEP): Provides about $8,000 a year through an ESA for families not fully enrolled in public or private schools. There’s a cap of 100,000 students for 2025-26, increasing by 40,000 each year.
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Family Empowerment Scholarship - Unique Abilities (FES-UA): For kids aged 3-22 with qualifying disabilities. It offers about $10,000 on average, but some students with severe disabilities could get $22,000-$34,000 annually.
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Family Empowerment Scholarship - Educational Options (FES-EO): Mostly for private school tuition but can help with part-time homeschooling. Average is around $8,000 each year.
These programs are managed by Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs), mainly Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation.
How much funding can you receive?
Funding differs by program and student needs:
- PEP: About $8,000 per student each year, paid in 10 monthly installments starting in August (changing from quarterly in 2025).
- FES-UA: Average of $10,000, but students with high needs can get $22,000-$34,000. The maximum balance cap is $50,000.
- Rollover: Unused funds can roll over yearly, up to a maximum of $24,000. After graduation, funds can be used for up to 2 years if the account stays active.
You can access your funds through the MyScholarShop platform or AAA’s purchasing system.
What can you spend ESA funds on?
You can use your ESA funds for:
- Curriculum and materials: Textbooks, workbooks, online subscriptions.
- Tutoring services: From approved providers.
- Virtual education: Online courses and programs.
- Testing fees: For AP exams, college entrance tests, and certifications.
- Therapies: Such as speech-language or occupational therapy.
- Dual enrollment courses: College classes for high schoolers.
- Equipment: Cameras for classes, lab supplies.
- Computer purchases: One device every 24 months.
- 529 plan contributions: For college savings.
- Guidance counseling: Through Choice Navigator services.
What Florida ESA funds cannot cover
Some expenses can't be paid for with ESA funds:
- Live class tuition can’t be reimbursed; buy directly through MyScholarShop.
- You can’t buy duplicate technology within 24 months.
- No full-time private school tuition for PEP students.
- Services must be delivered to a Florida address.
- Internet services and standalone software aren't covered unless bundled.
- Childcare isn’t considered an educational expense.
- No reimbursement for private transportation.
Remember: Items not listed in the official Purchasing Guide need pre-approval before buying.
How to apply for Florida pep
To apply for PEP, keep an eye on important dates. The application opens February 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year. Gather your documents early, as the priority deadline is April 30.
Using myscholarshop
MyScholarShop is where you spend your scholarship funds. Here’s how it works:
- Getting Started: Log in with your EMA account. Browse pre-approved vendors.
- Purchasing: Buy directly—no out-of-pocket costs or reimbursement needed.
- Pre-authorization: For items not in the marketplace, request approval first. Include vendor and item details.
- Receipts: Must show the last 4 digits of your card, item descriptions, and purchase date. Keep copies for 5 years.
- Common Issues: Missing information can lead to denied reimbursements, so double-check everything.
Fes-ua: Special needs funding
The FES-UA program offers more funding for students with disabilities:
- Eligibility: Ages 3 to grade 12, or age 22. Must have an active IEP or approved medical diagnosis.
- Funding: Average of about $10,000 annually, with higher amounts for severe disabilities.
- Additional Expenses: Includes ABA therapy, speech therapy, and specialized instructional services.
If your child qualifies, FES-UA may provide more support than PEP. You can apply for both and choose the best option.
Pep vs. traditional home education
It's important to know the difference between PEP and traditional homeschooling:
- PEP: You get about $8,000 a year for educational costs, but you must submit a Student Learning Plan and take annual tests. You won’t register with the school district as a home education student.
- Traditional Homeschooling: No state funding is available. You register with your district and must do an annual evaluation. You have total freedom over curriculum and scheduling.
Funding comes with some oversight, but many families feel the $8,000 is worth it. If you prefer total freedom, traditional education might be better.
Important considerations before accepting funds
Florida’s scholarship programs are helpful but come with conditions:
- Testing: PEP participants must take annual standardized tests. If you don’t want testing, PEP isn’t the right fit.
- Registration: Accepting PEP means you withdraw from district home education, changing your status.
- Spending Limits: All purchases must be for approved educational expenses, and the state keeps track of your spending.
- Inactive Accounts: If your account stays inactive for 2 years, you lose the funds. Spend strategically throughout the year.
- Processing Delays: Reimbursements can take 2-8 weeks, so plan your purchases ahead.
The bottom line
Florida’s PEP and FES-UA programs truly help homeschool families with financial support—offering $8,000 or more each year for educational needs. Since becoming universal in 2023, nearly every family in Florida can get this help.
Mark February 1, 2026, for the application start date for the 2026-27 school year. Gather your documents early, as the priority deadline of April 30 can sneak up on you. Visit stepupforstudents.org to create your account and see your options. With some planning, you could have a lot of money for your child’s education by next fall.
