Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Requirements and Online Application

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program was created in 2001 by the Florida Legislature to expand educational options for K-12 students from families with limited financial resources.

Under this program, qualifying students receive scholarships for attendance at eligible private schools or through personalized education plans. 

The scholarships are funded via private contributions to nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations (SFOs) that receive tax credits.

Eligibility requirements for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

1. Must be a resident of Florida and eligible to enroll in K-12 education.
2. For the 2023-24 and onwards school years, the law eliminated strict financial eligibility restrictions, although priority is given to:
   • Students whose household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
   • Then, students whose household income is between 185% and up to 400% of the FPL.
3. Students in foster care or out-of-home care have priority.
4. Scholarships may be used for attendance at:
   • Eligible private schools; or
   • A personalized education program (PEP) for students not enrolled full-time in a public school.
5. The child must be eligible for K-12 and remain eligible until high school graduation or age 21.

Application process for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

1. Parents or guardians must contact an approved scholarship funding organization (SFO) – the SFO administers the scholarship awards.
2. The SFO will require documentation such as proof of Florida residency, proof of grade level or school eligibility, and family income information (if applicable).
3. The SFO places the student on its waiting list or awards the scholarship based on available funds and priority status.
4. Once awarded, the scholarship may cover tuition and fees at eligible private schools or funds for approved expenses under a PEP.
5. There is no single statewide “application closing date” listed; parents should apply as soon as the SFO opens for the school year in question.

Closing date for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

There is no fixed public closing date for the program listed on the official site. 

Because awards depend on funds allocated to SFOs, and when contributions are made, students are encouraged to apply early.

Contact details for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

• Administering body: Florida Department of Education – School Choice Office.
• General contact information: Visit the School Choice section on the Florida DOE website for specific SFO contact details.
• For tax credit details regarding contributions: Florida Department of Revenue. 

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