At a glance
Florida has among the broadest school-choice programs in the country. Its scholarships are universal-eligible (open to essentially all K-12 students, with priority for lower-income families), and are administered by scholarship-funding organizations like Step Up For Students. Florida also has a very large public charter sector.
This state's choice programs
Florida’s main programs include the Family Empowerment Scholarship (for educational options and for students with unique abilities) and the long-running Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (which has been converted toward a tax-credit ESA). Together they let eligible families use state-supported funds for private-school tuition and approved expenses. Florida’s program is one of the largest in the nation.
Eligibility
Eligibility is broadly universal (all Florida K-12 students can apply), with priority for lower-income families. Confirm current income priorities and any caps.
Applying
Apply through a state-approved scholarship-funding organization (such as Step Up For Students). Watch the application window and confirm requirements on the official site.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does Florida have a private-school-choice program?Yes — Florida has among the broadest, universal-eligible scholarship programs in the U.S.
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- ProgramsFamily Empowerment + FL Tax Credit
- TypeScholarships/ESAs (universal-eligible)
- ScaleAmong the largest in the U.S.
- AdminStep Up For Students & others
- PlusExtensive public charters
- Confirm withThe scholarship organization
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: