How Florida Families Can Find Funding for Homeschooling

Homeschooling in Florida isn’t just legal — it’s increasingly funded. Thanks to expanded education choice programs, families can now access up to $10,000 per child annually to support personalized learning. Whether you're just starting out or scaling a multi-child homeschool plan, here’s how to tap into the funding that makes it possible.

🎓 1. Personalized Education Program (PEP)

PEP is Florida’s flagship funding option for full-time homeschoolers. It’s designed for families who want to educate their children outside of public or private schools — and it’s surprisingly flexible.

• Who qualifies: Any Florida student not enrolled full-time in public or private school

• Funding amount: Up to $8,000–$10,000 per child per year

• Covers: Curriculum, tutoring, diagnostic testing (MAP Growth, WRAT5, KTEA-III), online courses, educational materials, and enrichment

• Requirements:

  • Submit a Student Learning Plan

  • Complete annual standardized testing

  • File a Letter of Termination if withdrawing from public school

• Apply through: Step Up for Students

💡 Strategic Tip: Use PEP funds to cover evaluator fees, diagnostic tests, and curriculum bundles — especially if you’re managing multiple children or building a pod.

🧠 2. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

If your child has a documented diagnosis — such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences — this scholarship offers expanded funding and flexibility.

• Who qualifies: Students with an eligible diagnosis

• Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per year

• Covers: Therapies, specialists, curriculum, tuition, college savings, and more

• Apply through: Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation

💡 Strategic Tip: FES-UA can be paired with homeschool models, pods, or micro-schools — giving families more control over specialized learning.

🏫 3. Other Scholarship Programs

While not designed for full-time homeschoolers, these programs may support hybrid models or transitional plans:

• Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)

• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

These are typically used for private school tuition but may apply if you're using an umbrella school or hybrid pod setup.

📋 What Families Should Know

• Apply early: Funding is limited and competitive — renewals and low-income families get priority

• Track expenses: Use approved vendors and keep receipts for audits

• Stay compliant: Submit required documentation and testing results on time

• Use funds strategically: Invest in diagnostics, curriculum, and evaluator support that align with your child’s goals

  
  

🧩 Final Thoughts

Florida’s homeschool funding landscape is evolving — and families who understand the system can unlock powerful resources. Whether you're educating one child or launching a pod, these programs offer the financial flexibility to build a learning environment that’s personalized, compliant, and empowering.