Florida families have more education choices than ever before, thanks to Education Savings Account (ESA) programs administered by Step Up for Students (SUFS).
If you’ve heard terms like ESA, Family Empowerment Scholarship, or Step Up for Students but aren’t sure how it all fits together, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in plain language so you can confidently answer one big question:
Does my child qualify for a Florida ESA through Step Up for Students?
What Is Step Up for Students (SUFS)?
Step Up for Students is the state-approved nonprofit organization that administers Florida’s scholarship and ESA programs. In simple terms, SUFS is the gateway families use to:
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Apply for Florida ESA programs
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Manage scholarship funds
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Pay approved education providers and services
If your child qualifies for a Florida ESA, your application will go through Step Up for Students.
What Is a Florida ESA?
A Florida ESA allows families to receive state education funds in a flexible account, rather than assigning those dollars to a traditional public school.
Through Step Up for Students, ESA funds can often be used for:
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Tuition and courses at approved schools
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Online education programs
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Curriculum and instructional materials
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Tutoring and educational services
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Technology and learning tools
This flexibility is what makes ESA programs especially appealing to families seeking personalized or non-traditional learning options.
Who Qualifies for Florida ESA Programs Through Step Up for Students?
Florida offers multiple ESA pathways, all administered by SUFS. Here’s a clear breakdown.
1. Students with Disabilities (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities)
Who qualifies?
Students with documented disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech or language impairments, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, or multiple disabilities.
Eligibility basics:
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Must be a Florida resident
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Must have a current IEP, 504 Plan, or qualifying medical or educational evaluation
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Apply through Step Up for Students
Why families choose this ESA:
This SUFS-administered ESA gives families the freedom to customize education using therapies, curriculum, and programs that meet their child’s specific needs.
2. Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EO )
Who qualifies?
This ESA is designed for families who meet certain income-based or situational eligibility criteria.
Eligibility basics:
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Florida residency required
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Household income must fall within program guidelines
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Priority may be given to specific student groups
Important note:
Students do not need a disability to qualify. Many families currently in public schools apply for this ESA through Step Up for Students to explore more flexible education options.
3. Personalized Education Program (PEP Scholarship)
Who qualifies?
The Personalized Education Program (PEP Scholarship) is designed for Florida students who are not enrolled full-time in a traditional public or private school — meaning it’s perfect for many families pursuing parent-directed learning options or customized education paths.
How it works:
PEP creates an education savings account (ESA) that families can use much like other ESA programs — to pay for curriculum, instructional materials, part-time courses, tutoring, assessments, and other approved educational services.
This scholarship program is part of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, and you apply through Step Up for Students (SUFS), which administers the accounts and helps you manage funds. Priority is often given first to families with lower household incomes or those in foster care, then to other families eligible for ESA support.
How Do You Apply for a Florida ESA Through Step Up for Students?
All Florida ESA applications are submitted through the Step Up for Students online portal. While each program has its own documentation requirements, families typically need:
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Proof of Florida residency
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Educational or medical documentation (if applicable)
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Household income documentation (for income-based ESAs)
Once approved, SUFS provides families with access to their ESA account to begin using funds for approved education expenses.
How Optima Academy Online Works With Step Up for Students ESA Funds
Optima Academy Online (OAO) supports families using Florida ESA funds administered by Step Up for Students to create a learning experience that fits their child, not the other way around.
Families often use ESA funds with OAO for:
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Accredited online courses
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Flexible learning schedules
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Personalized academic support
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A learning environment that adapts to student needs
Our team works alongside families to help them understand how their SUFS-managed ESA can support their child’s education journey.
Key Takeaway for Parents
If you’re researching Florida ESA programs or Step Up for Students eligibility, here’s the short version:
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Step Up for Students administers Florida’s ESA programs
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Many families qualify, even if their child does not have a disability
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ESA funds offer flexibility, choice, and customization
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Applying early through SUFS is important
Florida’s ESA programs are designed to give parents more control, more options, and more confidence in their child’s education.
