Who qualifies for Family Empowerment Scholarships and PEP?
FTC/FES-EO is broadly available to Florida K–12 students; PEP serves parent-directed students outside full-time public or private school; FES-UA serves students with qualifying disabilities.
Questions Florida families ask about Family Empowerment Scholarships and PEP
Answered from the official Family Empowerment Scholarships and PEP sources linked in the Florida guide, then the questions every ESA family asks.
Questions and answers
How much funding is available in Florida?
Awards vary by scholarship, grade and county. Published 2026–27 FTC/FES-EO and PEP amounts are roughly $7,463–$12,217; FES-UA can be higher based on the student’s matrix.
When can families apply?
At Step Up For Students, new private-school and FES-UA applications run through November 15, 2026. PEP closed April 30 and is at capacity for new students.
Where can I find ESA vendors in Florida?
Florida-approved scholarship funding organizations keeps the official list for Family Empowerment Scholarships and PEP; start at Florida DOE: Family Empowerment Scholarship. PencilGo's Florida vendor directory lists vendors that report serving the program, with how to pay each one.
What can Family Empowerment Scholarships and PEP funds cover?
Eligible private-school tuition and fees; PEP curriculum and instructional materials; Tutoring, virtual courses, testing and dual enrollment; FES-UA therapies, assistive technology and approved services. FES-EO, PEP and FES-UA have different rules and platforms. Use guidance for the exact scholarship named on the child’s account.
What can I buy with ESA funds?
It depends on the state, but most programs cover private-school tuition, curriculum and textbooks, tutoring, testing, educational therapies, and school supplies, each with conditions. Every guide lists what its program covers and links the official rules.
Where do I find ESA vendors?
Each program keeps its own list on the administrator's site, linked from every state guide. PencilGo's vendor directory groups vendors by state and shows how each one is paid; listings are vendor-reported until PencilGo checks the program's records.
Can I buy worksheets and printables with ESA funds?
In 17 of 18 programs, yes: curriculum, workbooks and printable worksheets are instructional materials, the category ESA programs cover most often, usually on condition that the purchase goes through the program's platform or an approved provider.
How do I pay a vendor with ESA funds?
Through the program's platform: ClassWallet or Odyssey in most states, direct reimbursement in a few. The program reviews the purchase before the vendor is paid, so do not buy first and assume reimbursement.
Can I pay for PencilGo with ESA funds?
In some states. Each guide shows PencilGo's current status for that program and, where a purchase is possible, the exact steps. Provider participation never approves every product, so confirm the plan in the program before buying.
Before using ESA funds. Provider approval or a marketplace listing does not approve every product or confirm that a funded purchase can be made. Check Family Empowerment Scholarships and PEP's current rules and payment route before buying; a direct card purchase does not guarantee reimbursement. This hub is educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. PencilGo is independent of state agencies.