A Parent’s Guide to Florida ESA

Designing an Education Your Child Actually Loves

Not long ago, most families felt like they had two options when it came to education.

You either sent your child to your assigned school…or you stepped outside the system entirely and tried to figure everything out on your own.

For many, neither felt quite right.

Some kids were thriving—but many weren’t. They were bored, disconnected, or simply not being seen for who they really are and how they learn best.

But something has shifted here in Florida.

Families are no longer being asked to fit their child into a system.They’re being invited to build something better—something more personal, more flexible, and more meaningful.

That’s where ESA comes in.

What is Florida ESA… really?

ESA stands for "Education Savings Account", but the simplest way to understand it is this:

It’s funding from the state that is placed into an account you control, giving you the ability to choose how your child learns.

Instead of education being decided for you,you now get to make intentional choices based on your child’s needs, interests, and future.

For the first time, many families feel like they can breathe.

Because education starts to look less like a rigid schedule…and more like a life that’s full of curiosity, movement, creativity, and growth.

The shift we’re seeing in families

We’ve watched this unfold in real time with Surf Skate Science families.

Students who once struggled to sit still begin to light up when they’re building, creating, and exploring.Kids who felt behind begin to gain confidence when learning meets them where they are.Teens start discovering purpose when they’re exposed to real careers, real mentors, and real-world problem solving.

This is the power of choice.

Not just better education—but more connected, engaged, and inspired learners.

Understanding your options

All of Florida’s ESA scholarships are managed through Step Up For Students, and while there are a few different pathways, most families will fall into one of two categories.

The Personalized Education Program (PEP)

This is where many of our families land, especially those who are homeschooling or building a hybrid model.

PEP is designed for families who want to take the lead in designing their child’s education. It allows you to combine curriculum, hands-on programs, outdoor learning, tutoring, and experiences in a way that actually fits your child.

Your child cannot be enrolled full-time in a public or private school, because this option is truly about creating your own path. You’ll also complete a simple yearly evaluation to show progress.

PEP tends to fill quickly each year, which tells you something important—families are hungry for this level of freedom.

Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

FES-UA is designed for students who need additional support.

If your child has an IEP or a documented diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, or other qualifying needs, this program provides more funding and flexibility for therapies, services, and specialized learning. So if you child had ever been diagnosed with anything included ADHD, a TBI, and even asthma, we suggest you try this route.

For many families, this opens doors that once felt out of reach—giving their child access to the exact support they need to grow and thrive.

What kind of funding do families receive?

While the exact amount can vary, most families receive around $7,000–$8,000 per year through PEP or similar programs, and significantly more—often $10,000 or more—for students in FES-UA.

These funds are distributed throughout the year and become a resource you can use to shape your child’s learning experience.

And this is where things start to get exciting.

What can you actually use the funds for?

Instead of being limited to one environment, you can build something dynamic and meaningful.

Families commonly use ESA funds for:

Curriculum and learning materialsEducational programs and hands-on labsTutoring or small group learningTechnology and learning toolsTherapies and support servicesHybrid or part-time tuition

For many Surf Skate Science families, this means combining academics with real-world experiences—learning science at the beach, engineering at the skatepark, and connecting with mentors in fields they’re excited about.

Education becomes something they live… not just something they sit through.

What does this require from parents?

This is the part that’s different—and honestly, the part that matters most.

With ESA, you are no longer just supporting your child’s education.You are helping lead it.

That doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers. But it does mean you are making thoughtful choices about how your child learns.

Parents are responsible for selecting approved vendors, keeping track of how funds are used, and ensuring their child is actively learning. For PEP families, there is also a simple yearly evaluation.

It’s a shift—but it’s also incredibly empowering.

Because you get to build something that reflects your child’s strengths, not just their schedule.

How do you apply?

The process is more straightforward than most people expect.

You’ll apply online through Step Up For Students, where you’ll submit basic documents like proof of residency and your child’s information. If applying for FES-UA, you’ll also include documentation of your child’s diagnosis or IEP.

Once approved, funds are placed into your account and you can begin using them to shape your child’s education.

Timing matters

Applications typically open on February 1 each year and close SOON - at the end of April.

PEP has limited capacity and a firm deadline, usually around April 30, so families interested in that option should plan ahead.

FES-UA is generally more accessible for those who qualify, but applying early is always the best approach.

What this can look like for your family

This is where everything starts to come together.

A typical ESA-supported education might include:

Core academics at home or through a flexible curriculumHands-on programs like Surf Skate Science during the weekTime outdoors exploring science, nature, and engineering in real lifeCreative projects and passion-based learningMentorship and exposure to future careers

It’s not chaotic—it’s intentional.

And it often leads to something we hear all the time:

“My child actually loves learning again.”

Why this matters to us

At Surf Skate Science, this is exactly why we do what we do.

We believe learning should feel alive.We believe kids learn best when they are engaged, moving, creating, and asking questions.And we believe every child has gifts that deserve to be discovered—not overlooked.

ESA makes this possible for more families.

It opens the door for students to step into environments where they can build confidence, develop real skills, and begin to see themselves as future engineers, designers, scientists, and leaders.

A final thought

If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, you’re not alone.

This is a new way of thinking about education.

But it’s also an opportunity.

An opportunity to slow down, be intentional, and ask:

What kind of education would actually help my child thrive?

And then… to build it. ✅ Getting Started with Florida ESA

A Simple Checklist for Families

If you’re feeling excited but unsure where to begin, start here. This is the exact path most Surf Skate Science families take.

Step 1: Choose the Right Scholarship Path

Before anything else, decide which program fits your family:

• PEP → If you are homeschooling or creating a hybrid education

• FES-UA → If your child has a diagnosis or IEP and needs additional support

👉 You can only apply for one scholarship per child at a time, so choose carefully.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Having this ready makes everything faster:

• Proof of Florida residency (license, utility bill, lease)

• Child’s birth certificate or ID

• Previous school records (if applicable)

• For FES-UA: diagnosis or IEP documentation

Step 3: Apply Through Step Up For Students

• Create your parent account

• Complete the application (about 20–30 minutes)

• Upload documents

• Submit and save confirmation

Step 4: Watch Your Email + Portal

• Approval typically takes a few weeks

• You may be asked for additional documents

• Once approved, you’ll receive access to your ESA account

Step 5: Build Your Child’s Learning Plan

This is the fun part—and where things come alive.

Start thinking about:

• Core academics (curriculum or tutoring). We are firm believers that core subjects do not have to be seperate subjects. You can integrate this into the areas where kids love to learn, like STEM/STEAM.

• Extracurricular and Hands-on programs (👋 Surf Skate Science)

• Outdoor learning and real-world experiences  (👋 Surf Skate Science)

• Passion projects and interests

👉 This is where education becomes personal.

Step 6: Start Using Your Funds

Once funding hits your account, you can begin:

• Purchasing curriculum

• Enrolling in programs

• Booking tutoring or services

Just remember:

✔ Must use approved vendors for direct billing and no out of pocket expense

✔ Keep records of purchases

Step 7: Stay on Track Throughout the Year

• Families complete a yearly evaluation/standardized test.

• Monitor your ESA balance

• Continue shaping your child’s experience as they grow

⚠️ What Families Need to Know Right Now (2026–2027)

This is the part many families are asking about—and there has been confusion.

Here’s the most accurate, current picture:

PEP (Personalized Education Program)

• The program can serve up to ~140,000 students for 2026–2027

• Hard deadline: April 30

• After that date:

  
  

  👉 Applications are NOT accepted at all (not even late)

What this means:

• PEP does NOT operate like a traditional waitlist

• If capacity is reached or the deadline passes:

  
  

  👉 Families typically need to wait until the next school year

✔ There may be an interest list, but it is NOT a guaranteed waitlist for entry

FES-UA (Unique Abilities)

• Applications open February 1

• Priority deadline: April 30 (recommended)

• Applications can continue beyond that date depending on funding

What this means:

• FES-UA is generally more flexible and more available

• It has historically NOT had the same hard cap pressure as PEP

• Families may still be able to apply later in the year

👉 However: funding is still limited, so earlier is always better

💡 The Honest Reality (What We’re Seeing with Families)

Here’s the real-world takeaway we’re sharing with Surf Skate Science families:

• PEP fills fast → plan early, apply early

• No true waitlist safety net for PEP

• FES-UA is more accessible if your child qualifies

• If you miss PEP, many families:

  • Pivot to FES-UA (if eligible)

  • Or plan ahead for the next cycle

A Note of Encouragement

We know this can feel overwhelming at first.

Deadlines. Programs. Portals. Decisions.

But here’s the truth we’ve seen over and over again:

Once families step into this…once they realize they can actually design something that fits their child…

Everything starts to click.

Learning becomes lighter.Kids become more confident.And education starts to feel like something full of possibility again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=famgBZqEQyc