What scholarship and education savings account money can and can’t pay for, program by program. Each answer names the programs and scholarship organizations it applies to and links to the statute, State Board item or SFO handbook it comes from. Questions are written the way families search for them.
We are not your scholarship organization and can't see your account. For decisions about your child’s scholarship, contact your SFO: Step Up For Students, AAA Scholarship Foundation or Sunshine State Kids Foundation.
Can I use my Step Up scholarship to pay for tutoring?
Yes. Under FTC and FES-EO, part-time tutoring by a qualified tutor is allowed only from money left after the year's private-school tuition and fees are committed, or from rollover.123 FES-UA and PEP pay for tutoring with no tuition-first rule.45 AAA Scholarship Foundation’s handbook applies the same order for FTC/FES-EO: other expenses only after tuition and fees are committed.6
I read that FES-EO is "tuition only" and tutoring isn’t eligible — true?
No. State law lists part-time tutoring as an authorized use for both FES-EO and FTC.78 The catch is the order: tuition and fees are committed first, so tutoring comes only from what's left or from rollover.91 If tuition uses the whole award and you have no rollover, nothing is left for tutoring.10
What qualifications does a tutor need to be paid with scholarship money?
State law requires part-time tutors to hold one of: a valid Florida educator's certificate, an adjunct teaching certificate, a bachelor's or graduate degree in the subject, demonstrated subject mastery under s. 1012.56(5), or certification from a department-approved research-based training program (SUFS lists Orton-Gillingham, Wilson and Barton as examples).1112 SSK's handbook says academic tutoring under $50 an hour needs no credential, while $50 an hour or more needs one.13 AAA Scholarship Foundation checks each expense against the credential rules in its handbook.6
Can my tutor live out of state or teach online?
Yes at SUFS: out-of-state tutors are fine if they meet the credential rules and teach virtually.1415 AAA Scholarship Foundation also allows credentialed virtual tutors and choice navigators outside Florida, while other services must be delivered in Florida.6
Can FTC or FES-EO pay for a full-time tutor instead of private school?
No. FTC and FES-EO require full-time enrollment at an eligible private school, so full-time private tutoring isn't an allowed use for them.1617 Full-time private tutoring is allowed under FES-UA and PEP.16 PEP is closed to new 2026-27 students.18
Can I use FES-UA for ABA or speech therapy?
Yes. FES-UA pays for specialized services from approved providers: ABA, speech-language, occupational and physical therapy, listening and spoken language services, and (per the FES-UA guidelines) counseling or psychotherapy and vision therapy.1920 Providers must be Florida DOH-licensed, APD-approved, an approved SIS provider, or a PSYPACT psychologist; online or out-of-state delivery is fine if credentialed.19 At AAA Scholarship Foundation, FES-UA can pay a therapist directly through a direct vendor payment request, or you can be reimbursed.2122
Can PEP or FTC pay for speech therapy?
No. Specialized therapies are FES-UA-only at SUFS, and AAA Scholarship Foundation’s handbook says therapies are not an FTC, FES-EO or PEP use.236 The statute lists specialized services only under FES-UA.20
Can I buy a laptop or ipad with my scholarship?
It depends on the program. FES-UA allows digital devices once every 2 years and assistive technology once a year, while SUFS's FTC/FES-EO guide lists computers, tablets and printers as not allowed.2425 SUFS also bars devices for PEP "under Florida law"; the statute authorizes devices expressly only for FES-UA and has no explicit PEP ban, so this is SUFS's reading.268 AAA Scholarship Foundation’s 2026-27 FTC/PEP/FES-EO guide allows a device only when it is required to access the curriculum, with pre-authorization and documentation, and SSK's handbook prohibits devices for those programs, so the rule depends on your SFO.2713 At AAA Scholarship Foundation, FES-UA devices need pre-authorization; leftover New Worlds balances can buy one desktop, laptop, tablet or e-reader every 2 years.2829
Why can't I use PEP funds to buy a computer?
SUFS's PEP handbook says laptops, computers and peripherals can't be bought or reimbursed "Under Florida law."26 The statute expressly authorizes "digital devices" only for FES-UA; the FTC/PEP list covers "instructional materials, including digital materials and Internet resources" with no explicit device ban, so the rule is SUFS's interpretation.8 At AAA Scholarship Foundation, a PEP family can buy a device only when it is required to access the curriculum, with pre-authorization; SSK does not offer PEP.2730
Can I use the scholarship for disney or universal tickets?
At SUFS, once a year: one ticket per student to one Florida theme park on the approved list, up to $299 before tax, submitted on its own as a reimbursement.31 Parking, food, photos and premium access aren't covered, and for FTC/FES-EO it comes from money left after tuition.311 FES-UA field trips also need a statement of educational benefit.32
Can I get reimbursed for something I bought on facebook marketplace?
Not if you paid cash: SUFS won't reimburse cash paid to private sellers such as garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, private tutors or private therapists.3334 Pay a private seller by check, money order, PayPal, Venmo or another electronic method, and keep the proof of payment.33 Cash paid to a business needs a signed letter on the business's letterhead.33
Can I use my scholarship on amazon?
Yes, by reimbursement: an eligible item that isn't in MyScholarShop can be bought elsewhere, such as Amazon, and submitted for reimbursement.35 If you find an item identical to one in MyScholarShop for less, the law says the SFO must reimburse that cost.36 Reimbursed purchases must ship to a Florida address.37
Can I pay for a streaming subscription with Step Up funds?
SUFS covers one member's plan at any tier (ad-free is fine), filed under educational software and subscriptions, but not "extra member" add-ons.383940 Family plans are reimbursed per scholarship student at no more than the individual-plan price.39 AAA Scholarship Foundation reimburses annual subscriptions quarterly, one quarter at a time.6
Does the scholarship pay for home internet?
At SUFS, yes, for service at the student's Florida residential address, and internet is not prorated; for FTC/FES-EO it comes from leftover funds.4142 AAA Scholarship Foundation prorates internet per household member.6
Can I use scholarship money for music lessons, dance or martial arts?
Yes at SUFS: lessons go under electives and dance, sports lessons and team fees under physical education; for FTC/FES-EO they come from money left after tuition.4344 Elective instructors need a credential such as a teaching certificate (valid or expired) or 3 or more years of experience, while sports, dance and martial-arts programs need no individual credential but must be in person in Florida.4546 Elective equipment can be bought once every 2 years.43
Can I use the scholarship for summer camp?
At SUFS, the instructional portion of summer or after-school programs with credentialed instructors can be paid under FTC, FES-EO and PEP, but not overnight camps.47 FES-UA covers specialized summer and after-school programs; overnight or day educational camps need pre-authorization, fees must be published, and proof of attendance is required.48 Sports camps can be filed under sports lessons with no credential.40
Does the scholarship cover school lunch or before and after care?
No. Food, before- and after-school care and daycare are not allowed in any SUFS program, and lunch fees are on the prohibited school-fee list.2549
Can the scholarship pay for school uniforms?
Yes for basic uniform pieces from a school-required vendor, which are an eligible school fee at SUFS; shoes and accessories are not.49 Sports uniforms are also listed among eligible school fees.50
Can I get reimbursed for gas for driving my kid to school?
No. Transportation was removed as an FES-EO/FTC use on July 1, 2024, and SUFS lists transportation costs as not allowed in every ESA program.5125 The separate $750 transportation stipend is only for certain public-school K-8 students.52
Can my kid take college or dual enrollment classes with the scholarship?
Yes. Postsecondary tuition, dual enrollment and pre-apprenticeship are allowed in FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA and PEP; for FTC/FES-EO they come from money left after tuition.1153 Pre-apprenticeship is reimbursement-only at SUFS.23
Can scholarship students take Florida virtual school (FLVS) classes?
Only as a private-paying student; being reported for state funding by FLVS or a district would cost the student eligibility.5455 FLVS private-pay courses are an allowed use (for FTC/FES-EO, from leftover funds).53
Can I buy outschool classes with Step Up?
Only through MyScholarShop if a vendor lists them; otherwise by reimbursement.56 Self-paced, pre-recorded classes go under curriculum, while live classes must go through an approved online provider or meet the part-time tutoring credential rules.56
What school supplies can I get reimbursed for?
SUFS's guides cover instructional materials such as books, supplies, manipulatives, furnishings, lab and sensory items, and its Help Center answers this question.4357 Under FTC/FES-EO they come from funds left after tuition; FES-UA and PEP have no tuition-first rule.584 Items not listed need pre-authorization first.14
Can I buy a trampoline, pool, or nerf blaster with scholarship funds?
Only an individual exercise trampoline; pools and toy weapons are prohibited in SUFS's guide.25 For FTC and FES-EO, any allowed item comes from money left after tuition and fees.1
How many pairs of glasses can I buy with the scholarship?
SUFS's 2026-27 Private School and PEP guides set a 1-year limit for prescription eyeglasses, with early replacement possible by pre-authorization.4059 Under FES-UA, prescription eyeglasses count as assistive technology (once per year), and smart or AR prescription glasses are prohibited.2440
Can I put FES-UA money into a 529 or Florida prepaid?
Yes, FES-UA only. At SUFS, Prepaid became direct-pay only on June 30, 2026 (the Investment 529 is also direct-pay only); submit by the 14th to post around the 20th, and the beneficiary can't be changed.6061 If the scholarship account closes, all scholarship money in the plan returns to the state.6062
Can I pay my tutor for the whole semester up front and get reimbursed?
At SUFS, services paid in advance can be reimbursed up to 4 months ahead, or up to 1 year with a signed, non-refundable statement from the provider.6364 Payment plans and buy-now-pay-later are reimbursed only for what you have paid so far.33
Can I get reimbursed for next year's registration fee I paid in the spring?
At SUFS, yes, once the school is FDOE-compliant for the next year (usually April); application and registration fees may be paid in the fiscal year before.4049 Some categories paid before July 1, 2026 can be claimed July 1, 2026–July 31, 2027, including private-school and HEIP tuition, dual enrollment and curriculum.63 A submission before the school is compliant is denied.40
Can I get reimbursed if I paid with a gift card or points?
Only if the receipt shows the cash value applied.33 You still need an itemized receipt plus proof of payment with the full date.33
Can I get paid to teach my own child with the scholarship?
No. Parents can't be paid from scholarship funds for services to their own scholarship student, and families can't receive any payment, refund or rebate from a provider.6514 Accepting a provider refund or rebate is grounds to close the account.62 SSK also bars immediate relatives or household members as providers.13
What can I buy with PEP money?
PEP covers part-time or hybrid private school, home-education instructional programs, full- or part-time tutoring, approved online providers, curriculum and instructional materials, testing, dual enrollment and contracted public-school services, with no tuition-first rule.466 SUFS bars digital devices, specialized therapies and college savings for PEP.2623 At AAA Scholarship Foundation, PEP is reimbursement only: you pay first, then submit the receipt.67
Do I need pre-authorization before I buy something?
At SUFS, anything not listed as eligible needs pre-authorization before you buy it; submit in EMA after the account is funded, allow up to 60 days, and know that a denial can't be appealed.1468 AAA Scholarship Foundation’s pre-authorization for PEP/FTC is optional but recommended for durable goods of $250 or more (email PEP@aaascholarships.org); for FES-UA it is required for instructional materials and curriculum.628 SSK requires it for listed items.13
Can I replace a broken laptop I bought with scholarship funds?
At SUFS, an item broken beyond repair can be replaced with one of equal or lesser value with pre-authorization plus repair-shop documentation (photos aren't enough); stolen items need a police report.69 Lost devices aren't replaced, and if the item can be fixed, the repair is fundable but a replacement is not.69
Can I buy two of the same thing with the scholarship?
Usually not: SUFS's frequency-of-purchase limits run across all programs, even after a switch, and buying several units in one transaction doesn't get around them.69 New for 2026-27, the limit is "one of each item" within a category (an easel and a kiln are fine; two easels are not).40 AAA Scholarship Foundation asks families to affirm they haven't bought a "substantially similar item" with scholarship funds from any SFO in the past 24 months.6
Are parent classes or homeschool conferences covered?
No. Training and conferences meant for parents or teachers aren't eligible at SUFS; student-focused conferences are (new language for 2026-27).3940 FES-UA does allow device training for the parent.24
Does FES-UA cover horse therapy, music therapy or art therapy?
Yes. FES-UA covers equine-assisted services at a PATH International member center and therapy by CBMT-certified music therapists or ATCB-credentialed art therapists.2070 Riding lessons that aren't therapy count as physical education instead.71
Can I use leftover FES-EO money for classes at a different private school?
Yes. Full-time students may use leftover funds for individual classes, extracurriculars, testing or academic services at a different eligible private school without enrolling there full time.5872 It is paid through the Marketplace or by reimbursement.72
More family questions
- Eligibility
- Amounts and balances
- Deadlines and payment timing
- Using EMA, SMP and Odyssey
- Finding tutors, therapists and providers
- Private schools
- Switching programs and scholarship organizations
- Account problems
- Federal tax-credit scholarships
See also: all Florida K-12 scholarship programs, award amounts and deadlines.
Sources
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Authorized Expense Categories" (full-time enrollment; "Once tuition and fees are paid…") · verified on
- Florida Statutes (2026) s. 1002.394 · (10)(a)8–9 (parent approves each payment; agrees tuition committed first), (11)(a)11 (SFO commits funds to tuition first) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Part-Time Tutoring & Choice Navigator Services" · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 PEP Purchasing Guide · "Tuition & Fees" (part-time, hybrid, HEIP, postsecondary, full-time private tutoring, online) and "Part-Time Tutoring & Choice Navigator Services" · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · pp. 17–18 (Private Tutoring Program; Part-Time Tutoring / Choice Navigator) · verified on
- AAA Scholarship Foundation FTC/PEP/FES-EO Purchasing Handbook 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-10-16) · pp. 3–7, 12–17 · verified on
- Florida Statutes (2026) s. 1002.394 Family Empowerment Scholarship Program · subsection (4)(a)1–7 and (4)(b)1–15; (6)(c) · verified on
- Florida Statutes (2026) s. 1002.395 Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program · (6)(d)4.a–g (authorized uses incl. part-time tutoring) · verified on
- Florida Statutes (2026) s. 1002.395 · (6)(w) and (7)(a)10 (commit funds to private-school tuition and fees first) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook (web; last modified 2026-09-16) · "How to Spend Your Scholarship Funds › Eligible Expenses" · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) · (4)(a)1.–7. · verified on
- SUFS External Guide, "Part-Time Tutoring" · pp. 1–2 · verified on
- SSK Florida Scholarship Purchasing Handbook 2026-2027 (effective July 1, 2026) · §§1.4, 3, 4.1–4.6, 5.1–5.3 · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "General Purchasing Provisions" (pre-authorizations, FOP, out-of-state, monetary benefit, end of school year) · verified on
- SUFS, "Eligible Services Per Scholarship Type" (Service Categories Chart) · p. 1 table (read with `pdftotext -table`) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-2027 Non-School Provider Handbook · "Tutoring › Full-Time Private Tutoring; Part-Time Tutoring" · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) · (6)(a)–(f) · verified on
- SUFS PEP page (Discover; modified 2026-07-29) · hero banner; "Are We Eligible?" · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · pp. 12–13 (Specialized Services; approved providers) · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) · (4)(b)1.–15., (15) · verified on
- FES-UA Direct Payment to Service Provider/Vendor Form (rev. 08/25/2022) · p.1 · verified on
- Scholarship Management Platform (SMP) – FAQ — AAA Scholarship Foundation · all Q&As · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Appendix D · Authorized Uses of Scholarship Funds Chart" · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · pp. 4–5 (digital devices 2-yr FOP; peripherals; assistive tech 1-yr FOP; training; maintenance; internet) and pp. 10–12 · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Appendix A · Summary of Prohibited or Ineligible Items" · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 PEP Family Handbook · "Digital Device Restriction" · verified on
- AAA Scholarship Foundation, 2026-27 FTC/PEP/FES-EO Purchasing Guide (rev. 2026-10-16) · pp. 5–11 (Pre-Authorization effect/timing; Ineligible Expense Categories incl. digital devices, theme parks, private sales, teacher materials; Examples outside authorized categories; Appealing a Denied Request; Instructional Materials incl. internet proration, software/streaming, electives credentials, P.E., field trips); read from the local copy in data/sources/other-sfos/ · verified on
- AAA Scholarship Foundation Payment Forms for FES-UA & FTC (including PEP) · full page · verified on
- SUFS 2026-2027 New Worlds Scholarship Accounts Program Parent & Guardian Handbook (web; last modified 2026-07-23) · "Scholarship Overview"; "Multiple Scholarships"; "Authorized Uses"; "Direct Payment"; "Pre-Authorization"; "Frequency of Purchase"; "Account Closure" · verified on
- Frequently Asked Questions — Sunshine State Kids Foundation · "Our Scholarships", "Using Your Scholarship Funds", "Rules & Requirements" · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Field Trips & Other Activities…" incl. Florida theme park note ($299) · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · pp. 9–10 (Field trips; theme parks; student name on receipt) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Submitting Reimbursement Supporting Documentation › Proof of Payment"; "Cash, Checks, & Private Sellers"; "Credit Card Points, Gift Cards" · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "What type of documentation is needed to submit my proof of payment?" and "Is there a deadline for submitting my proof of payment?" · answer text · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "Are parents able to use Amazon Prime?" · answer text · verified on
- Florida Statutes (2026) s. 1002.394 · (11)(a)6 (reimbursement; online platform; identical product at lower price must be reimbursed) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Appendix B/C · Pre-Authorization; Out-of-State Items"; military shipping · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "Streaming Services Information" · answer text · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Additional Purchasing Guidelines" (refunds; subscriptions; conferences; uniforms) · verified on
- SUFS, Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides Summary of Changes (2026-2027; last modified 2026-09-17) · all sections · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Internet Resources" · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "For Internet Resources (FTC/FES-EO, FES-UA), does my service address need to match…" · answer text · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Instructional Materials" (furnishings, books, digital, software, kits, electives, manipulatives, music, supplies, sensory) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Physical Education (P.E.)" incl. FOP sentence · verified on
- SUFS External Guide, "Elective Courses" · p. 1 · verified on
- SUFS External Guide, "Physical Education (P.E.)" · p. 1 · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Documenting Eligible Uses of Scholarship Funds" (P.E.; electives; summer programs & day camps; tutoring) · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · p. 22 (Specialized summer and after-school programs; "age 14 and up") · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Tuition & Fees At An Eligible Private School" (eligible/prohibited fees; part-time tutoring as a school fee) · verified on
- SUFS, 2026-2027 Private School Provider Handbook · "Setting Up An Account In EMA"; "Adding Tuition & Fees In EMA" (eligible and prohibited fees) · verified on
- Ch. 2024-230, Laws of Fla. (HB 5101) · title; ss. 2, 6, 7, 23, 28 · verified on
- 2026-27 Transportation Stipend Family Handbook · §Stipend Overview; Eligibility; Enrollment Verification; Capacity; How To Get Your Scholarship Funds; Multiple Scholarships; Authorized Uses · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Tuition & Fees At An Eligible Postsecondary Institution"; dual enrollment; pre-apprenticeship; online/virtual provider; FLVS · verified on
- FDOE, Florida Tax Credit FAQs · all accordion items · verified on
- FDOE, Family Empowerment Scholarship—Educational Options (FES EO) FAQs (PDF, Last-Modified 2025-04-15) · Q2, Q4-Q8, Q11-Q14 (Wayback 20261012104125) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Purchasing Guide · "Curriculum & Curriculum Materials"; "Stand-Alone Online Class" · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "What types of school supplies can I be reimbursed for?" · answer text · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Direct Payment To Eligible Private Schools" (full-time; individual classes at another school) · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "How many pairs of eyeglasses can I purchase for my student?" · answer text · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · pp. 19–21 (College savings programs) · verified on
- SUFS Help Center, "Do you have questions about contributing to Florida Prepaid College Fund Accounts?" / "Contributing to Florida Prepaid Accounts in 2026-27" · answer text · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) · (5)(a)–(d) · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Reimbursement Timeline" (text says "by May 28, 2027"; table says Jul 31, 2027); "Eligible Reimbursements Before Scholarship Year Begins"; "…For Advance Services" · verified on
- SUFS, 2026-2027 Non-School Provider Handbook · "Reimbursement Requests › Advance Reimbursement" · verified on
- SUFS, 2026-2027 Non-School Provider Handbook · "Authorized Uses of Scholarship Program Funds"; "Specialized Services…"; "Specialized Summer & After-School Education Programs" · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 PEP Family Handbook · "Eligible Expenses" · verified on
- Florida – Personalized Education Program (PEP) — AAA Scholarship Foundation · SUFS transfer message; FAQs; "2026-27 … (Closed)"; summary of process · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Pre-Authorization Requests" · verified on
- SUFS 2026-27 Private School Family Handbook · "Frequency of Purchase Limits"; "Items That Are Lost, Stolen, or Broken Beyond Repair" · verified on
- UCF FCSUA FES-UA Purchasing Guidelines 2026-27 · pp. 25–26 (Horse therapy; music and art therapy) · verified on
- SUFS External Guide, "Horse Therapy" · pp. 1–2 · verified on
- SUFS, 2026-2027 Private School Provider Handbook · "Part-Time PEP Eligible Private School Students"; "Individual Classes, Extracurricular Activities, or Services…"; "PEP Hybrid Eligible Private School Students" · verified on