Homeschool reimbursement and benefits in Florida

2 statewide programs in Florida offer education services or help with specific costs. Eligibility and deadlines differ; check the program for your child's age and enrollment route.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Personalized Education Program

PEP gives you an education account for approved learning expenses, with 2026-27 awards varying by county and grade, such as $8,420 for Orange County grades K-3. Standard applications closed April 30, 2026; active-duty military and foster or out-of-home families may qualify for a deadline exception.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Meets age and residency rules

   Your child must meet Florida residency or a listed military exception and the program’s age rules, starting at age five by September 1.

2. Uses the PEP attendance route

   PEP registers your child with a scholarship funding organization. End district home-education status after scholarship choice confirmation, and withdraw from full-time public or private school.

3. Plans and tests annually

   Submit a student learning plan and annual assessment results to your scholarship organization.

4. Do we need a plan and test?

   Yes. Submit a student learning plan and annual norm-referenced assessment results to the scholarship organization.

What it is worth

Examples are from Step Up’s county-and-grade table.

Grades K-3

$8,420

Grades 4-8

$7,831

Grades 9-12

$7,639

These are Orange County examples, not statewide amounts; your funding status also matters.

From applying to keeping it

1. February 1 to April 30, 2026

   Standard applications

   New and renewing families applied for 2026-27.

2. Outside the standard window

   Check an exception

   Active-duty military and foster or out-of-home families can contact Step Up about an application exception.

3. After scholarship confirmation

   Finish participation steps

   Submit the learning plan and required records before funding.

4. During 2026-27

   Buy approved resources

   Use the account’s purchase or reimbursement process and retain documentation.

5. 2027-28

   Watch for the next window

   Step Up offers an interest list; the next window is not yet announced on the application page.

What it pays for

Covered

• Curriculum and instructional materials
• Approved online learning
• Home-education instructional programs
• Part-time tutoring
• Eligible testing fees

Not covered

• Unrestricted cash
• Full-time public-school enrollment
• Simultaneous full-time private-school enrollment

Who to contact

Ask about deadline exceptions, funding, and eligible purchases.

877-735-7837 PEP applications

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities

FES-UA gives your child with an eligible disability an account for approved education and therapy expenses, with awards varying by county, grade, and services matrix. New 2026-27 applications through Step Up remain open until November 15, 2026; an award still requires eligibility and funding.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Meets Florida residency

   Your child must be a Florida resident or qualify under the listed military exceptions.

2. Meets age requirements

   Your child must be three by December 31 or eligible for Florida public-school enrollment, and younger than 22 by September 1.

3. Documents the disability

   Provide an IEP or a validated qualifying diagnosis from an eligible licensed professional.

4. Uses an allowed attendance route

   Registered home education is allowed; you cannot participate in conflicting scholarships or publicly funded enrollment.

5. How much will we receive?

   It depends on your county, grade, and services matrix, such as $10,584 for Orange County K-3 at matrix 251-253. Your award notice gives your amount.

6. Can we be reimbursed for eligible purchases?

   Yes. Pay out of pocket and submit the required documentation through the program’s reimbursement process.

7. Can we receive PEP at the same time?

   No. You cannot apply for FES-UA and another listed scholarship for the same student at the same time.

What it is worth

Step Up’s table lists these Orange County examples.

Grades K-3, matrix 251-253

$10,584

Grades 4-8, matrix 251-253

$9,995

Grades 9-12, matrix 251-253

$9,803

Matrix 254

$21,655

Matrix 255

$34,799

These examples do not predict another county or a legacy student’s award.

From applying to keeping it

1. February 1 to November 15, 2026

   New families apply

   Submit the application and disability documentation through Step Up.

2. By December 15, 2026

   Accept the scholarship

   New students must be found eligible and accept by this date to be considered for 2026-27 funding.

3. After award acceptance

   Confirm your home-education route

   For district-registered home-education students, the handbook says no further enrollment action is needed for funds to be deposited.

4. During 2026-27

   Use account funds

   Follow approved purchase, direct-billing, or reimbursement instructions.

5. Each year

   Renew participation

   Follow the next renewal window and your attendance route’s annual requirements.

What it pays for

Covered

• Approved curriculum
• Online learning
• Private tutoring
• Approved therapies
• Eligible postsecondary expenses

Not covered

• Unrestricted cash withdrawals
• Ineligible purchases
• Simultaneous conflicting scholarships

Who to contact

Ask about a qualifying diagnosis, an application, or funding.

877-735-7837 FES-UA handbook and support

Local help in Florida

The local programs we have checked across the state cover college and dual credit, transportation, library resources, grants and scholarships, school services, and recreation. Each local program sets its own rules for who qualifies. Search your ZIP code to see the ones that serve your address.

Search your ZIP code

The state's homeschool rules

You must file the initial written notice with the county superintendent within 30 days of starting. You must file a termination notice and the annual evaluation within 30 days of ending the program.

• Subjects: Parent-directed instruction; Florida law does not prescribe a specific curriculum for a home education program.
• Testing: Provide an annual educational evaluation using one statutory method; a portfolio review is one option, and an alternate method requires agreement with the district superintendent.
• Records: Keep a portfolio with an activities log made as instruction occurs, reading-material titles, and work samples. Preserve it for two years and make it available for inspection on 15 days’ written notice.
• Teachers: Florida does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.

Read the Florida homeschooling guide