Do You Get Paid to Homeschool in Florida? 2026 Parent Guide

If you are exploring homeschooling in Florida, it is reasonable to ask, “Do parents receive payment for teaching their children at home?” Homeschooling continues to grow statewide, and more than 155,532 students and 114,239 families were registered in Florida’s home education program last year. With so many families choosing this path, planning for costs becomes an important part of the decision.

Florida law does not provide direct payment to parents for homeschooling. However, families may qualify for indirect financial support, such as scholarships or education savings accounts, which help reduce the cost of materials, services, and curriculum. One example is Florida’s Personalized Education Program (PEP), which offers funding for approved educational expenses, even though it is not income.

In this guide, you will understand the real answer to do you get paid to homeschool your child in Florida, how the state handles home education funding, what support families may qualify for, and how to use available assistance wisely when teaching at home.

TL;DR

• Florida provides funding for homeschooling through Step Up for Students and the PEP program, offering up to $10,000 per year.

• PEP covers costs like curriculum, tutoring, and Florida Virtual School, with eligibility based on a Student Learning Plan and annual testing.

• Families must apply through a Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO) and meet legal requirements, including a Letter of Termination if switching from a traditional school.

• PEP comes with tradeoffs, such as losing access to district services and potential challenges with customer support.

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost in Florida?

After learning that Florida does not pay parents a salary to homeschool, the next practical question is how much home education actually costs. Expenses vary from one family to another, but thinking in ranges and real examples helps you plan better.

A Florida parent may spend between $500 and $2,500 per student each year. This depends on grade level, whether you buy a new curriculum or reuse resources, and how often you enroll your child in classes, clubs, or activities. Families that purchase a fresh curriculum each year or invest in co-op fees and tutoring usually sit at the higher end of that range.

Where Does the Money Go?

Most families budget for a few repeating categories, such as:

• Curriculum and learning materials

• Books and supplies

• Annual testing or portfolio evaluations

• Classes, enrichment programs, or co-ops

• Field trips and extracurricular learning

Costs increase if you add tutoring, specialized services, or multiple subscription-based resources. Many families also include museum visits, sports, arts programs, or memberships that help learning extend beyond the home.

Does State Funding Offset These Costs?

Florida ESA programs like PEP and FES-UA can reduce out-of-pocket spending for eligible families. These scholarships allow parents to use funds for education-related expenses, including curriculum, tutoring, testing, and other approved services. This support can ease financial strain, even though it does not replace income.

Parents who homeschool under the traditional district track pay expenses themselves. They often manage this by using free or low-cost materials, organizing learning co-ops, or relying on library and community resources.

How Families Make Homeschooling Affordable

Planning helps you control expenses. Families commonly stretch their budget by:

• Starting with core subjects

• Reusing materials where possible

• Sharing resources within support groups

• Connecting field trips to lessons to add value

Florida’s funding programs can help some families cover key costs, but even without scholarships, careful budgeting makes homeschooling approachable. When you begin with realistic expectations, you can choose materials and activities that meet both your child’s needs and your financial comfort.

Now that you have a sense of cost, let’s look at how some families reduce those expenses through available programs.

How to Find Funding for Homeschoolers

Some states offer programs that help families cover homeschooling costs. These programs go by different names: Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Education Scholarship Accounts, or similar terms. But they work in a similar way. Instead of paying parents directly, money is placed in an account for approved learning expenses such as curriculum, classes, or tutoring.

As of 2026, only a few states provide this type of support. Florida, Arizona, Idaho, Ohio, Utah, West Virginia, and New Hampshire currently offer ESA-style programs that families can apply for. Each state sets its own rules, funding levels, and eligibility criteria, so parents should always check their state’s official education website for updated details.

Some people use terms like “homeschool vouchers” or “homeschool scholarships,” but most of the time:

• Vouchers apply to approved private schools, not homeschooling

• Scholarships usually refer to college funding for homeschool graduates

The most reliable way to explore homeschool funding is to check your state’s official education website or the organization responsible for managing scholarships.

Once you know what expenses to expect, the next step is learning what help Florida offers to make homeschooling more affordable.

How Does Florida Support Homeschooling with State Funding?

Many parents search for Florida Homeschool Grants, hoping there is direct pay for teaching at home. Florida does not pay parents to homeschool, but it does offer support through education savings accounts (ESAs). These programs give eligible families access to scholarship dollars that can be used for approved learning needs at home.

Instead of receiving a paycheck, parents access scholarship funds held in a state-managed account. These funds help reduce the cost of curriculum, tutoring, testing, and activities while parents continue to teach their children themselves.

1. Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Florida’s Personalized Education Program (PEP) is one of the most well-known options for families learning at home. It provides scholarship dollars held in an ESA for students who are not enrolled full-time in a public or private school.

The program can support tens of thousands of students each year. Eligible students typically receive annual funding amounts determined by their county, and unspent amounts can roll over year-to-year up to a set cap. These funds are not considered taxable income, which gives families peace of mind at tax time.

To participate in PEP, parents must follow program requirements rather than remain registered under district home education. This includes:

• Withdrawing from district home education after funding approval

• Declaring a grade level for each student

• Preparing a Personalized Learning Plan

• Completing an approved norm-referenced test each year

This reporting structure gives the state accountability, while families retain flexibility to choose materials and services that match their child’s needs.

What Can PEP Funds Pay For?

Families have wide spending flexibility with PEP, and many costs involved in homeschooling fall under eligible expenses, including:

• Curriculum and instructional materials

• Tutoring or approved classes

• Testing fees and evaluations

• Educational memberships or learning activities

• Educational field trips, museum visits, and enrichment programs

This flexibility gives families room to build a customized, hands-on educational experience at home without paying everything out of pocket.

2. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) supports children who have documented disabilities or specific learning needs. It also uses an ESA model, giving parents flexible funds to build a customized program at home.

According to state guidance, the average FES-UA scholarship is around $10,000 per year, though the exact amount depends on the student’s level of need and district. Families often use these funds for:

• Specialized curriculum and materials

• Therapies and related services

• Tutoring or skill-building programs

Many parents combine these supports with home-based learning, even if their child is not in a traditional school setting.

3. Traditional Home Education Without State Funding

Florida also recognizes a traditional home education program, where parents file a notice of intent with their local district and assume full financial responsibility for their child’s education. The state does not provide ESA funds under this track, but it offers legal protection and clear procedures for families who want full control and flexibility.

In this case, you pay for curriculum, materials, and activities yourself. Some families still choose this route because they want simple reporting and maximum freedom in how they teach, then look for affordable resources and community support to manage costs.

Programs like The School House Anywhere (TSHA) also offer a complete, ready-to-use curriculum with hands-on materials, easing the pressure of lesson planning. Designed for Pre-K to 6th grade, TSHA supports families with flexible tools, non-screen learning, and 24/7 guidance.

Also Read: Best Microschools in Florida: A Detailed Guide

Who Can Apply and How Much Can You Get?

To qualify, your child must:

• Be a Florida resident

• Be in grades K–12

• Be 5 years old or older by September 1 of the school year

• Not be enrolled full-time in a public or private school

There’s no income limit to apply. However, if there are more applicants than spots available, the state gives first priority to families with lower incomes or those in foster care.

The average award ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 per year per child, depending on your location and your child’s grade level. 

We’ll next explore how you can use this funding and what expenses it can cover.

Also Read: A Guide to Start Homeschooling in Florida

What Can You Spend the Money On?

Florida’s ESA funds are meant for learning costs. You do not receive cash, but you can use the account to pay for approved educational needs.

Common Eligible Expenses

Parents often use ESA funds for:

• Curriculum and workbooks

• Instructional materials and supplies

• Tutoring or academic classes

• Standardized testing fees

• Online or in-person courses

Some programs also cover learning experiences such as:

• Museum visits

• Skill-building activities

• Music, art, robotics, or science programs

How You Access Funds

You typically:

1. Purchase items through the approved online marketplace, or

2. Pay first and request reimbursement if the item is eligible

Receipts are reviewed before approval.

What ESA Funds Do Not Cover

• Non-educational items

• Cash withdrawals

• Purchases outside approved systems

Keeping spending tied to learning helps your child and protects your funding eligibility.

Before applying, it helps to understand how these funds can be used. Once you know what expenses qualify, the next step is learning how to apply.

How to Apply for Florida Homeschool Funding and Scholarships

If you're planning to homeschool in Florida under the Personalized Education Program (PEP), there are a few key steps you must follow. These include both online enrollment tasks and legal paperwork that make your child officially eligible for funding.

1. Choose a Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO)

First, you’ll need to apply through a state-approved Scholarship Funding Organization. Most families use either Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarships. This is the organization that will manage your funding and help you access your Education Savings Account (ESA).

2. Create an EMA Account

Florida uses the EMA (Education Market Assistant) system to manage all applications and scholarship accounts. You’ll need to create an EMA account as the parent or guardian, then add your child’s details before beginning the PEP application.

3. Complete the PEP Application

Inside EMA, select the Personalized Education Program (PEP) as your scholarship type. Make sure you mark your child as a homeschooler, not enrolled in public or private school, so your application is placed in the correct category.

4. Submit a Letter of Termination (If Previously Enrolled)

If your child was already registered in a district-run home education program or was enrolled in a public/private school, you must submit a Letter of Termination to your local school district. This confirms that you are switching to the PEP-funded homeschool track.

5. Submit a Student Learning Plan (SLP)

After your application is approved, you must create and submit a Student Learning Plan. This plan outlines what your child will be learning during the year. It must include your chosen curriculum, learning goals, and any additional services (like tutoring or courses).

6. Complete Yearly Testing Requirements

Florida law requires each PEP-funded student to take a norm-referenced test every year. You’ll need to choose from an approved test list and submit the results to your SFO. This is a mandatory step to remain eligible for continued funding.

7. Sign the Annual Compliance Statement

Every year, you’ll also be asked to sign a sworn compliance statement. This confirms that you’re following program guidelines, using funds appropriately, and meeting all academic reporting requirements.

8. Use Your ESA Funds Responsibly

Once everything is set up, your child’s scholarship funds will appear in your ESA account. You can use these funds through the built-in EMA Marketplace or request reimbursements for eligible educational purchases.

9. Be Aware of Deadlines and Enrollment Limits

Personalized Education Program (PEP) now has a statutory limit of up to 100,000 students for 2025–26. So it remains important to apply early and track deadlines carefully to secure a slot under PEP.

Also Read: Homeschool Groups and Support Organizations in Florida

After you understand how to apply, it’s useful to consider the potential tradeoffs families mention when deciding whether funding is the right fit.

Important Tradeoffs & Community Concerns

While Florida’s PEP scholarship program can provide real financial relief, it’s important to understand the tradeoffs that come with it. Many families in the homeschooling community have shared questions and concerns about what they might lose access to or face challenges with after switching to a PEP-funded homeschool path.

1. You Lose Access to Some District Services

Once you switch to PEP homeschooling, your child is no longer considered part of the district system. This means you may lose access to certain public-school services like:

• Participation in school sports teams

• Free Florida Virtual School (FLVS) courses

• Local district support or homeschool liaisons

If your child was using any of these resources before, you’ll need to plan for alternatives or pay out of pocket if needed. 

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) helps fill that gap by offering a full Pre-K to 6th grade curriculum built on the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), along with educator support and flexible, hands-on materials. AEC is designed to give children real-world learning experiences, without needing district programs or screen-based tools.

2. FLVS Becomes a Paid Option if Funds Run Out

Many families rely on FLVS for core or supplemental courses. Under PEP, you can use scholarship funds for FLVS, but if your ESA balance runs out, you’ll be responsible for the cost. That typically means paying around $375 per course per semester, which can add up quickly for multiple classes.

3. Customer Support Can Be Slow or Unclear

Parents have reported frustration with Step Up for Students, especially when it comes to:

• Getting timely help with application issues

• Understanding the rules for dual enrollment

• Reimbursement policies that aren’t always clearly communicated

While the program offers valuable funding, it may require patience when dealing with technical issues or navigating support.

4. Concerns Around Public Fund Use and Content Oversight

Some families have expressed ethical or political concerns about how public funds are being used through the PEP program. These include:

• Questions about using state money for religious or private curriculum materials

• Worries over the lack of vetting for certain vendors or platforms

• Debates around whether ESA programs pull resources away from public education

If you're considering PEP, it's worth thinking about how your values align with the broader structure and intent of the program.

Let’s compare PEP-funded homeschooling with traditional home education to further understand the differences between the two.

Comparison: PEP vs Traditional Home Education

Before deciding how to homeschool your child in Florida, it’s important to understand the difference between PEP-funded homeschooling and traditional home education. Both give you control over your child’s learning, but they come with very different legal steps, responsibilities, and access to services. The table below highlights what changes depending on the path you choose:

Category	PEP Homeschooling	Traditional Home Education
Registration	Apply through a Scholarship Funding Organization (e.g., Step Up)	File a notice of intent with your local school district
Learning Plan	Must submit a Student Learning Plan (SLP) annually	No formal plan required, but you must maintain a portfolio
Testing Requirement	An annual norm-referenced test is required	Annual evaluation by a certified teacher or a test is accepted
Funding	Up to ~$8,000/year in ESA funds	No state funding provided
Curriculum Freedom	Must use a curriculum approved for ESA use	Full freedom to choose any curriculum
Access to Services	Cannot access district sports, free FLVS, or local support	May retain access to some district services if opted in
Flexibility	Flexible, but tied to state reporting and expense limits	Full flexibility, no reporting to the funding authority
Documentation	SFO portal + receipts + test scores + compliance statement	Learning portfolio + evaluation letter
Support	Customer support through SFO; limited responsiveness reported	Self-directed or supported via private homeschool networks

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) works with both models. Families using PEP can include American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) in their Student Learning Plan, while homeschoolers can use it freely. TSHA offers a practical curriculum and support system that fits either path without extra admin work.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s PEP scholarship program opens the door for families to receive financial support while homeschooling, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you choose the funded route through PEP or stick with traditional home education, understanding the tradeoffs, legal steps, and long-term responsibilities is key to making the right decision for your child.

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) supports both options, offering structure, flexibility, and real-world learning tools for families navigating either path. You don’t need to figure it all out alone.

With TSHA, you get:

• The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC): A flexible, developmentally aligned curriculum for Pre-K to 6th grade students.

• Extensive Educational Resources: Films, printables, and samples to enhance learning.

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-use tools for parents and educators to seamlessly integrate curriculum into their practice.

• 24/7 Live Support: Round-the-clock assistance to help you at every step.

• Transparent Classroom: Tools for progress tracking and record-keeping.

• Community & Educator Support: Weekly live gatherings and Q&A sessions with experts.

Join The School House Anywhere and build an education that works for your real life. Start your journey today with our AEC curriculum, designed to empower your child and support you every step of the way.

FAQ

Q1. Is homeschool funding in Florida guaranteed every year once my child is approved?

No. Funding is awarded annually and depends on state budget allocations and available seats in the program. Families must reapply and meet all compliance requirements each year to continue receiving support.

Q2. Why do people call it a “Florida homeschool stipend” even though parents aren’t paid?

Some families use the phrase informally, but the state does not offer a true stipend. Instead, Florida provides ESA scholarship dollars that can only be used for approved educational purchases, not as income.

Q3. Can I stay in the district’s home education program and still receive homeschool funding Florida offers through ESAs?

No. District registration and PEP cannot be active at the same time. Families must terminate their district home education status before accepting ESA funds.

Q4. Do ESA programs limit the type of curriculum I can buy?

Yes. You have many options, but everything must fall within the approved spending categories. Some families choose to remain independent homeschoolers to avoid purchasing restrictions.

Q5. Can multiple children in the same household receive ESA funds?

Yes. Each eligible child receives a separate account with its own funding amount. Parents must manage each account individually for compliance and reporting.