This article explains the eligibility requirements for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA).
Quick Links
- General Eligibility
- FES-EO Eligibility Requirements
- FES-UA Eligibility Requirements
- Florida Residency Requirements
- Income Requirements (FES-EO)
- Disability Requirements (FES-UA)
- Foster Care & Out-of-Home Care Priority
- Active Duty Military Families
General Eligibility
To be considered for either scholarship program, students must:
- Live in Florida
- Be eligible to enroll in a Florida public school
- Meet the age requirements for the scholarship program they are applying for
FES-EO Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement
Students applying for FES-EO must:
- Be at least 5 years old on or before September 1 of the upcoming school year
- Be 21 years old or younger on September 1 of the upcoming school year
For example:
- A student who turns 5 on September 1 qualifies
- A student who is already 22 on September 1 does not qualify
Income Information Requirement
Families applying for FES-EO must provide a valid 1040 tax return showing Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Accepted tax returns include:
- Federal 1040 tax return
- Florida state tax return
Tax documents must be from 2024 or 2025.
Income information may be used to determine scholarship priority.
Foster Care and Out-of-Home Care Priority
Students in foster care and out-of-home may receive priority consideration if families provide official documentation verifying status.
FES-UA Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement
Students applying for FES-UA must:
- Turn 3 years old on or before December 31 of the program year
- Be 21 years old or younger on September 1 of the program year
For example:
- A student who turns 3 on December 31 qualifies
- A student who is already 22 on September 1 does not qualify
Disability Documentation Requirement
Families must provide documentation showing the student has a qualifying disability.
Accepted documentation may include:
- Florida IEP
- Out-of-state IEP
- Documentation from a qualified professional showing a diagnosis
Florida Residency Requirements
Families must provide proof of Florida residency.
Most families must submit two (2) approved residency documents.
Examples of accepted residency documents 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
- Government benefits documentation
Active Duty Military Families
Active Duty Military families may provide one residency document instead of two.
Families must also provide:
- Active Duty military orders
- Confirmation that they are stationed in Florida
Important Reminder
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee scholarship funding or approval. Applications must be complete, accurate, and include all required documentation for review.