Florida Scholarship Application Checklist

FTC · FES-EO · PEP — floridataxcreditscholarshipprogram.com

① Gather these documents first

Proof of Florida residencyUtility bill, lease, or similar in a parent's name Child's birth certificate (or passport)One per student you're applying for Parent/guardian photo IDDriver's license or state ID Optional: proof of household incomeOnly if you want income-based priority in line — not required to qualify

② Apply — free, about 30 minutes

Create your free EMA accountEMA (“Education Market Assistant”) is the official portal: apply.stepupforstudents.org Pick your scholarshipPrivate school → FTC/FES-EO · Homeschooling → PEP · Unique abilities → FES-UA Upload documents & submitApplications are processed in order — earlier is better Watch for the award email — then ACCEPT it in EMAAccepting is a separate button-click families forget; renewals must accept by May 31

③ After you're awarded

Private school routeConfirm enrollment with your participating school; tuition is paid from the award PEP routeSubmit your annual Student Learning Plan, then spend via MyScholarShop, pre-approved providers, or reimbursement Calendar the renewal windowRenewals run Feb 1 – Apr 30 every year. Missing it = losing priority

Key dates (2026–27 cycle)

• Applications opened: Feb 1, 2026
• Renewal + PEP deadline: Apr 30, 2026 (PEP is now at capacity for 2026-27)
• New private-school (FTC/FES-EO) applications: open through Nov 15, 2026
• Next season (2027-28): expected to open around Feb 1, 2027 — not yet announced

Scam check: applying is free through the official portal. No legitimate organization charges an application fee, and the FTC warns no legitimate company ever asks to be paid in gift cards. Questions? Step Up For Students: 1-877-735-7837.

Independent guide — not affiliated with FLDOE or Step Up For Students. Verify details: stepupforstudents.org · fldoe.org