Dependent children of qualifying Florida law enforcement officers may apply for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO).
Who Qualifies?
Students may apply for FES-EO if they:
- Live in Florida
- Are eligible to enroll in a Florida public school in grades K–12
- Meet the program age requirements:
- Be at least 5 years old on or before September 1
- Be 21 years old or younger on September 1
The student may also qualify as the dependent child of a qualifying Florida law enforcement officer.
Does Household Income Matter?
All eligible Florida K–12 students may apply for FES-EO regardless of household income.
However, Florida law still requires scholarship funding priority to be given first to:
- Students whose household income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level
- Students in foster care or out-of-home care
Secondary priority is given to students whose household income is between 185% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
Who Is Considered a Law Enforcement Officer?
Florida law defines a law enforcement officer under section 943.10(1), Florida Statutes.
Generally, this refers to full-time law enforcement personnel employed by a federal, state, county, or municipal agency who are authorized to bear arms and make arrests.
What Documentation May Be Required?
Families may be asked to provide documentation verifying law enforcement employment status.
Examples may include:
- Agency-issued law enforcement identification
- Employment verification letter
- Recent paystub identifying law enforcement employment
- Official agency employment records
Residency Documentation Requirements
Families must still provide proof of Florida residency.
Most families must submit two approved residency documents unless another approved exception applies.
Examples include:
- Florida driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Utility bill dated within the last 60 days
- Mortgage statement or lease agreement
- Paystub
- Property deed
Important Reminder
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee scholarship approval or funding. Applications must be complete and include all required documentation for review. See Requirements for Law Enforcement Families for more information.